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    Recipes ยป Desserts ยป Cookies and Brownies

    Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

    Published: Feb 22, 2023 by Marissa Stevens ยท 44 Comments

    Vegetarian

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    These aren't just any Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies; they were Nora Ephron's favorite. The Norah Ephron - writer of Sleepless In Seattle and When Harry Met Sally. The story goes that while visiting Seattle, Nora stopped in to the Dahlia Bakery and bought a few of these cookies. Then she sent Tom Douglas an e-mail to say that they were her all-time favorite cookies and could she have the recipe. He sent the recipe along with a big package of cookies and later asked if they could name the cookies after her in the Dahlia Bakery cookbook. I love her response:

    Are you kidding me? This may be the greatest cookie ever ever ever.

    Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Stack with glass of milk

    I have to agree, not just about these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, but about every cookie (or sandwich, or soup, or pie) I've tried at the bakery. Now I can say the same about everything I've made from the cookbook. The recipes are no-fail and, really, are nothing short of heavenly.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You Need to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
    • A Great Cookbook + A Note on Flour
    • More Must Try Cookies
    • How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
    • Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments

    Ingredients You Need to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

    For the Peanut Butter Filling:

    • Peanut Butter: creamy peanut butter
    • Butter: unsalted butter (if using salted butter, reduce the amount of kosher salt)
    • Powdered Sugar: also called confectioners' sugar
    • Honey: or maple syrup
    • Kosher Salt: or about half the amount of fine sea salt

    For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

    • Flour: white whole wheat flour (such as King Arthur brand)
    • Baking Soda
    • Baking Powder
    • Kosher Salt: or about half the amount of fine sea salt
    • Rolled Oats: ideally old-fashioned rolled oats
    • Butter: unsalted butter (if using salted butter, reduce the amount of kosher salt)
    • Peanut Butter: crunchy peanut butter
    • Sugar: granulated white sugar
    • Brown Sugar: golden brown sugar
    • Eggs: large eggs or extra large eggs
    • Vanilla: real vanilla extract

    A Great Cookbook + A Note on Flour

    These sandwich cookies are the second cookie I'veย sharedย from the book, the first beingย Chocolate Truffle Cookies. The main change I've made to this cookie sandwich recipe is to replace the all-purpose flour with whole grain flour because I like the substantial texture and, of course, the nutrition it adds (as I do in these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies).

    But the genius of these recipes I attribute to the cookbook authors Tom Douglas and Shelley Lance alone. And I highly recommend that you add the Dahlia Bakery cookbook to your collection; it's loaded with sweet and savory secrets that may become your favorite recipes, as many have become mine.

    More Must Try Cookies

    • Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • A whole collection of my best Cookie and Brownie Recipes

    How to Make Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

    Peanut Butter Cookies cooling

    When you make these cookies, you'll want to start the process several hours before you plan to bake them. The filling and cookie dough need to be refrigerated for a couple of hours ahead of time.

    Once the filling is chilled and the cookies have cooled, it's fun to assemble the cookie sandwiches.

    Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie with Filling Scooped in the mIddle ready to assemble

    You just scoop a generous dollop of filling onto one cookie, bottom side up, and top it with a second cookie, bottom side down. Then carefully press the top cookie down to spread the filling and that's it!

    Assembling Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie

    Try these peanut butter sandwich cookies and I bet you'll whole-heartedly agree with Norah that they may be the best cookies ever ever ever.

    Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

    Marissa Stevens
    A whole-grain riff on Nora Ephron's favorite cookie from the Dahlia Bakery in Seattle, Washington.
    5 from 1 vote
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Total Time 32 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 sandwich cookies
    Calories 318 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the peanut butter filling:

    • 1 ยฝ cups creamy peanut butter (400 grams)
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    For the peanut butter cookies:

    • 1 ยฝ cups white whole wheat flour such as King Arthur brand, (180 grams)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ยฝ teaspoon baking powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 โ…” cups old-fashioned rolled oats (99 grams)
    • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons
    • โ…“ cup crunchy peanut butter (125 grams)
    • ยพ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
    • โ…” cup packed golden brown sugar (150 grams)
    • 2 large eggs at room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    To make the peanut butter filling:

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine all filling ingredients. Mix on medium speed until creamy and fully combined. Transfer mixture to another bowl; cover and refrigerate.
    • Clean and dry stand mixer bowl.

    To make the peanut butter cookies:

    • Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt to a medium bowl; whisk to combine. Whisk in the oats. Set aside.
    • Add butter, chunky peanut butter, and sugars to the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, occasionally scraping down the bowl.
    • Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and add eggs, one at a time, until combined. Scrape down bowl and add vanilla extract; mix until combined. Add dry ingredients in 2 or 3 additions and mix just until combined. Remove bowl from mixer and scrape down sides with a rubber spatula, being sure to incorporate any dry ingredients still in the bottom.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • You'll be chilling these scoops, so place them close together (not touching). Scoop out dough with a 1-tablespoon scoop. Place scoops on prepared baking sheet. You'll have about 48 cookies. Refrigerate scooped cookies at least 2 hours.
    • When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 375ยฐF.
    • Line baking sheet with parchment paper and create a double pan by setting it inside a second baking sheet.
    • Arrange 8 to 12 cookies on prepared baking sheet (number depending on the size of your sheet) , leaving an inch or more of space on all sides of each cookie (cookies will spread during baking). Bake until golden, about 12 minutes, rotating pan halfway through the cooking time. When golden, remove from oven and cool on wire rack 10 minutes before transferring cookies to cooling rack with a spatula. Repeat with remaining cookies.
    • Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them.

    To assemble cookie sandwiches:

    • Turn one cookie bottom side up and scoop a little less than 2 teaspoons of peanut butter filling into the middle. Top with another cookie, bottom side down, and press gently to spread filling. Repeat to assemble remaining sandwich cookies.

    Notes

    Cook time does not include refrigerating dough afterย scooping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 346mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 344IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Cookies and Brownies

    • Italian wedding cookies stacked on a white ceramic cake stand.
      Italian Wedding Cookies
    • Gingersnap Cookies stacked on a white marble board.
      Gingersnap Cookies
    • Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies on a white marble board with scattered chocolate chips.
      Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies on a white marble board
      Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. nagimaehashi says

      March 07, 2015 at 3:25 am

      Marissa! I swear I left a message on this but I can't find it....we are totally in sync, I made brownie cookie sandwiches yesterday with peanut butter filling!! Can't believe it!! ๐Ÿ™‚ These look so yum...I am totally trying your peanut butter filling next time!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 07, 2015 at 12:01 pm

        Yum! Brownie sandwich cookies sound amazing!!

        Reply
    2. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

      March 06, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      OK, so I need to go to this bakery NOW ... well, OK, at least some day ...
      These do indeed look like the ultimate cookie! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 07, 2015 at 12:00 pm

        ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks, Helen!

        Reply
    3. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

      March 06, 2015 at 12:16 pm

      I am a HUGE pb cookie fan and these look pretty perfect! That filling takes them over the top! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 06, 2015 at 12:27 pm

        Wow, thanks Faith! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Kelsey says

      March 06, 2015 at 10:50 am

      my mouth is watering just imagining how delicious this tastes. you're so clever!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 06, 2015 at 12:26 pm

        That's sweet, Kelsey! Thank you.

        Reply
    5. Rachel @ Bakerita says

      March 05, 2015 at 3:15 pm

      These remind me of a cookie I made a while back and they were so good...and now I'm totally craving something ultra peanut buttery! Love that creamy filling - could eat it with a spoon!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:41 pm

        I'm with you! I may have tried a little on it's own. May have. ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
    6. Erin | Well Plated says

      March 05, 2015 at 6:40 am

      I keep promising myself that I am not going to buy any more cookbooks, but after seeing these cookies I think I need to add another one to my collection!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:42 pm

        Yes, they're a weakness for me too. Many of them sit on the shelves, but this one has good, dirty, sticky pages - the sign of a good cookbook!

        Reply
    7. Liz @ Floating Kitchen says

      March 05, 2015 at 5:49 am

      Oh I love Dahlia bakery and the book. These cookies truly are the best cookie ever ever ever!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:42 pm

        Love it! Thanks, Liz! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

      March 05, 2015 at 5:29 am

      Peanut butter sandwich cookies are the best! I'll take a dozen, please!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:43 pm

        Come on over, Ashley! I'll make you a batch. ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
    9. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

      March 05, 2015 at 2:15 am

      Oh my, these really do look like the PERFECT peanut butter cookies! I want to devour that whole leaning tower of cookie goodness!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:43 pm

        It is a leaning tower, isn't it? ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks, Sonali.

        Reply
    10. whiskandshout says

      March 04, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Wow! These look beyond delicious! Who doesn't love peanut butter? Pinning ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 05, 2015 at 3:43 pm

        Thank you, Medha!

        Reply
    11. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says

      March 04, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      These peanut butter cookies look fantastic!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:34 pm

        Thanks, Shelby!

        Reply
    12. Kevin | keviniscooking says

      March 04, 2015 at 1:25 pm

      These look like perfection, amazing photos and now I'm hungry for a cookie. Send some South to SD?

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:33 pm

        I'd love to, Kevin. ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
    13. tasteloveandnourish says

      March 04, 2015 at 8:00 am

      Oh wowโ€ฆthank you so much for sharing this recipe! I can see why Norah loved them! Peanut butter cookies were my absolute favorite as a kid. Pinning to make these soon!!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:33 pm

        They really are so good! If you make them, I'd love to hear what you think!

        Reply
    14. Joanne says

      March 04, 2015 at 5:06 am

      I've made these before and they really are the best!! Peanut butter lovin' heaven.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:32 pm

        Well said! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    15. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says

      March 03, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      OMGosh, love this Marissa! I am a **HUGE** fan of peanut butter and seeing the scoop on the cookies made my mouth water. Fabulous! So pinned!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:32 pm

        Thanks so much, Kristi! Yes that filling is mmmmmm ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    16. Mira says

      March 03, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      These cookies look wonderful Marissa! Love the story! I do need this book! Love the cookies and will try the recipe!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:32 pm

        Thanks, Mira!

        Reply
    17. Eileen says

      March 03, 2015 at 4:47 pm

      These cookies sound so good! I'm super glad to see the oatmeal -- it must add such a great chewy texture and sweetness. Yay!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:31 pm

        Exactly! Oatmeal definitely adds to the terrific texture these have.

        Reply
    18. Allie says

      March 03, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      I have had my eye on that Dahlia cookbook for sooo long! If the rest of the book is half as fabulous as these cookies, then I need to just pull the trigger already!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:31 pm

        Buy it! It's awesome, I promise. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    19. Kathleen | HapaNom says

      March 03, 2015 at 7:52 am

      Ooo... I LOVE this recipe! I am not a big sweets person, but I have a weakness for peanut butter filled treats. Great pictures, Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:19 pm

        Thanks, Kathleen. I'm with you, more of a savory gal. But peanut butter is a weakness!

        Reply
    20. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      March 02, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      Oh my! These are the second peanut butter sandwich cookies that I've seen in as many days. I already earmarked them to make them when I get home! ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        March 04, 2015 at 4:36 pm

        Awesome, Lorraine! When you say that I know you mean it. ๐Ÿ™‚ Can't wait to hear what you think...

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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