The Art of Peanut Butter Cookie Perfection

Creaming Method Mastery

Learning to properly cream butter and sugars creates the foundation for cookies with ideal texture, incorporating air for lightness while developing structure.

Gentle Mixing Technique

Understanding when to stop mixing prevents gluten overdevelopment, ensuring cookies remain tender and soft rather than tough or cakey.

Classic Fork Pattern

Creating the iconic crosshatch design isn't just decorative, it helps cookies bake evenly by flattening the dough to consistent thickness.

Perfect Baking Timing

Recognizing the visual cues for doneness ensures cookies finish baking as they cool, achieving that coveted soft center with slightly crisp edges.

Filling Assembly Art

Mastering the balance of cookie-to-filling ratio creates sandwich cookies that are indulgent yet balanced, with filling that stays put without squishing out.

Secrets to Peanut Butter Cookie Perfection

Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is truly softened to room temperature for proper creaming, which creates the light, tender texture that makes these cookies exceptional.

Don't Overbake: Remove cookies when centers still look slightly underdone, as they firm up during cooling and this ensures the perfect soft, chewy texture.

Peanut Butter Choice: Use conventional creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties, as natural peanut butter's oil separation can affect cookie texture and spread.

Make-Ahead Option: Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes.

Filling Variations: Customize the filling by adding mini chocolate chips, honey, or a pinch of sea salt for different flavor profiles that complement the peanut butter base.

Storage Wisdom: Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or assemble sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 5 days for best texture and freshness.

Classic Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Name: Classic Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Dough:; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Peanut Butter Filling:; 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; For Special Equipment:; Stand mixer or hand mixer; Baking sheets lined with parchment paper; Wire cooling rack; Fork for creating crosshatch pattern

The ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe featuring creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This beloved cookie combines the rich nutty flavor with the perfect chewy texture, creating an unforgettable homemade dessert that elevates the classic peanut butter cookie to extraordinary heights perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you crave the perfect balance of sweet and savory comfort.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Special Equipment:

Stand mixer or hand mixer

Baking sheets lined with parchment paper

Wire cooling rack

Fork for creating crosshatch pattern

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, setting them aside for later use.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating on medium speed for another minute until fully incorporated and smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Using a fork, press down on each dough ball in one direction, then rotate 90 degrees and press again to create the classic crosshatch pattern, flattening cookies to about 1/2 inch thickness.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers still appear slightly soft, as cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While cookies cool, prepare the filling by beating together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of cream, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy, adding additional cream if needed for desired consistency.

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, then top with remaining cookies to create sandwiches, pressing gently to spread filling to edges.

Classic Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Peanut Butter Cookie Perfection

Classic Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Ingredients

Instructions