The Ultimate Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Sandwich Cookies: A Decadent Recipe

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat that combines two universally loved flavors: peanut butter and chocolate. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re magnificent peanut butter chocolate chip sandwich cookies, featuring soft, chewy cookies generously packed with chocolate chips and a rich, creamy peanut butter chocolate spread nestled between two delectable halves. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, creating a dessert that is truly a winner and a whole lot of deliciousness in every bite.

Our journey to cookie perfection began with an inspiring recipe from an old issue of Bon Appétit. Their original version called for milk chocolate in both the cookies and the filling. While undoubtedly good, we found that opting for milk chocolate might lean a bit too much on the sweeter side for our palate. In our household, dark chocolate reigns supreme, and we believe it perfectly balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and sugars in this recipe. Therefore, we chose Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips for both the cookie dough and the luxurious filling. If bittersweet isn’t your preference, semi-sweet chocolate chips would also work beautifully, offering a slightly less intense cocoa flavor while still providing that delightful chocolatey depth.

What makes these cookies truly stand out, beyond the chocolate choice, is the generous inclusion of creamy peanut butter directly into the cookie dough. This isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a deliberate choice to infuse every crumb with that unmistakable, nutty goodness. A substantial amount of peanut butter in the mix means more flavor, more richness, and a beautifully soft texture that complements the chocolate chips perfectly. Because, let’s be honest, when it comes to flavor, more is almost always a good thing, especially when it’s peanut butter!

For those with dietary considerations, particularly gluten sensitivity, these cookies offer an incredibly easy adaptation. You can effortlessly make them gluten-free simply by switching out the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. This simple substitution ensures that everyone can enjoy these delightful sandwich cookies without compromising on taste or texture.

Crafting the Irresistible Filling

While your fantastic peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are cooling, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to the luscious filling. This step is refreshingly simple and straightforward, yet it yields a creamy, dreamy center that elevates these cookies from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.

Here’s how to whip up this decadent filling:

• Start by combining your chosen chocolate chips (or finely chopped bittersweet/semi-sweet chocolate), creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of coarse kosher salt in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.
• Next, gently heat your whipping or heavy cream in a small, heavy saucepan until it just reaches a boil. The goal is to get it hot enough to melt the chocolate without scorching it.
• Once the cream is hot, immediately pour it over the chocolate mixture in the bowl. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute to allow the heat to start melting the chocolate.
• Begin stirring continuously. You’ll observe the chocolate melting quickly and blending seamlessly with the peanut butter and other ingredients. Keep stirring until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy, with no lumps remaining.

A crucial tip for the filling: it’s actually a good idea to prepare the filling even before you start baking the cookies. When it’s first combined, the mixture will be quite warm and have a somewhat runny texture, similar to a rich ganache. For it to be thick and spreadable, perfect for sandwiching between cookies, it needs some time to chill. Pop it into the fridge for about an hour, or until it reaches a firm, spreadable consistency. This cooling period is essential for achieving the perfect sandwich cookie experience, ensuring the filling holds its shape and doesn’t ooze out when you bite into it.

Baking the Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieving the perfect cookie is all about attention to detail. Our recipe for these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies doesn’t require any special or complicated techniques, but following a few key steps will ensure a consistently delicious result. From properly creaming your butter and sugar to understanding when your cookies are perfectly baked, these guidelines will help you create a batch of cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor.

Remember to always use creamy peanut butter (not old-fashioned or freshly ground) for the best consistency in both the cookie batter and the filling. The stabilizers in creamy peanut butter prevent oil separation and ensure a smooth, uniform texture in your finished product.

These homemade peanut butter chocolate chip sandwich cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The rich, nutty notes of peanut butter combined with the deep, satisfying taste of dark chocolate, all enveloped in a soft, chewy cookie, create an irresistible indulgence. Perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Enjoy the process of baking and the pure joy of sharing these extraordinary cookies!

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