Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

recipe from Peabody

Cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
12 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract


In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Using a stand mixer (or with a hand-held beater) with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugars on medium-high speed for 3 minutes. Add peanut butter and beat for another minute.

Reduce mixer speed to low and add the egg and vanilla, and mix until just combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until they disappear int the dough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes so it will be easier to work with.

Dived the dough into 2 equal piece and roll each into an oblong log 8-10 inches long; aim for a cross shape of a biscotti and a peanut (I just made a square because I am lazy). Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 3 days (or freeze up to 3 months).

Preheat oven to 325F. Line 2 baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the cookies ¼ to ½ inch thick and place them about 1 inch apart, in 3 by 4 rows, on the prepared pans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time.

The cookies should be dry, firm to the touch, and deep golden brown. Let the cookie cool completely while you make the filling.


Filling:
5 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup peanut butter
pinch of salt
2/3 cup powdered sugar
splash of milk or cream to make a spreadable consistency
Using a stand mixer (or with a hand-held beater) with the paddle attachment, mix the butter, peanut butter, and sugar on low speed until evenly combined. Add the cream if you need to thin out the filling. You want a spreadable consistency.


To Assemble:
Turn half the cookies upside down, then use a small tsp to put a dollop of filling about the size of a nickel on the inverted cookies (I used way more filling). Cover with the remaining cookie and press together gently so the filing spreads to the edges of the sandwich.