Victoria's Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Victoria's Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

My Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are simple and understated, but deliver a beautiful peanut butter taste.  No fork marks needed on these cookies.  Everyone will know that these cookies are the real deal!

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Softened Butter

1/2 Cup Shortening

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

3 Eggs

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

2 1/2 Cups Unbleached Flour

Filling:

3/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

3 Tablespoons Softened Unsalted Butter

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 Tablespoon Cold Brewed Coffee

Preheat the oven to 375º F.  In a large size bowl mix the peanut butter, butter and shortening with an electric mixer for 45 seconds.  Add the sugar and brown sugar and beat for 30 seconds.  Add the baking soda and baking powder.  Beat for another 30 seconds.  Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla for 30 seconds.  Beat in as much of the flour as you can.  Any flour that you were not able to beat in then stir in by hand.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 1 hour.  This will make the dough easy to handle.  Shape the dough into 1 1/4 inch balls.  Place 2 inches apart onto parchment paper lined baking sheets.  Flatten just a bit with the heel of your hand. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the bottoms are light brown.  Remove from the oven and let the cookies cook on the baking sheet for 1 minute.  Repeat until you have used all of the dough.

For the filling: In a large size bowl beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and cold coffee.  Make sure the mixture is well combined. 

To Assemble:  Pace cookies upside down on the counter.  Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each cookie.  Place the second cookie on top of the filling.  Turn the cookie over and gently press until the filling spreads to the edges.  Allow the filling to set for 1 hour before serving.  Assembled cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.  Makes approximately18 large sandwich cookies.