There’s nothing quite like the cozy, nostalgic joy of a sandwich cookie that combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and oatmeal. This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings that perfect harmony to your kitchen with chewy oat cookies loaded with peanut butter, sandwiched around a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting. Each bite is a delightful contrast of soft, chewy cookie and rich, velvety filling, making it an instant favorite for peanut butter lovers and cookie aficionados alike. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special treat just for yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and happy taste buds all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy peanut butter giving bold flavor and tenderness, to the oats providing wholesome texture and heartiness, making these cookies both delicious and satisfying.
- Butter (1/2 cup softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Butter-flavored shortening (1/2 cup): Enhances flavor and gives a slight crispness to the edges.
- Dark brown sugar (1 cup): For depth of sweetness and moistness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup + 1/2 cup for frosting): The star ingredient giving that unmistakable peanut butter flavor and creaminess.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1 tsp for frosting): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The main structure of the cookie, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just right, creating a chewy texture.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Quick oats (1 cup) and old fashioned oats (1/2 cup): These combine for a lovely chewy texture and rustic oat bite.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For a smooth, sweet frosting.
- Milk or cream (2 tbsp + more as needed): Used in the frosting to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Additional butter (4 tbsp for frosting): Gives the frosting a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Shortening
Start by beating together the softened butter and butter-flavored shortening in a large bowl or stand mixer until smooth and light, about 2 minutes. This base ensures your cookies have a tender, buttery foundation with just the right amount of richness.
Step 2: Incorporate Sugars
Add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture and continue beating for 2 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial for aerating the dough and setting the stage for tender cookies with a slight caramel undertone.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter
Blend in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, mixing until fully incorporated. This adds intense peanut flavor and makes the dough irresistibly creamy, setting these apart from your average oatmeal cookies.
Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, beating well to combine. These ingredients bind everything and add a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the peanut butter beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, stir the baking soda and kosher salt into the flour. Gradually add this mix to your wet ingredients, beating gently just until combined—it’s okay if you still see a few flour streaks. This careful mixing keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Oats
Gently stir in both quick oats and old fashioned oats until just combined, ensuring you scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to evenly incorporate all the oats. This combination lends both chewiness and a rustic bite beloved in oatmeal cookies.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours—or even overnight if you can wait! Chilling firms up the dough for easier scooping, prevents spreading, and deepens the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 9: Scoop the Dough
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared sheets. This ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly and fit together beautifully when sandwiching with frosting.
Step 10: Bake Your Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for centers that have just lost their shine but still look slightly soft, with edges that are firm. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies are best chewy and tender, not dry.
Step 11: Cool Before Frosting
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential so your frosting doesn’t melt and slip off.
Step 12: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a clean bowl or mixer, beat 4 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Add 1/2 cup peanut butter and mix well, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, scraping sides to keep everything smooth. Add 2 tablespoons milk or cream and vanilla, then continue adding milk a bit at a time until the frosting spreads easily but holds its shape. This rich frosting is the crowning glory of your sandwich cookies.
Step 13: Assemble the Cookies
Spread about one tablespoon of frosting on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently so the filling spreads out slightly but doesn’t overflow. These sandwiches are best enjoyed with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can sprinkle a few toasted oat flakes or chopped roasted peanuts on top of the frosting before it sets for an added crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also charming and sweetly elegant without overpowering the flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert spread. Their hearty texture pairs wonderfully with beverages that complement peanut butter’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into halves or quarters for bite-sized treats at parties. Or, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent finish. Alternatively, arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit and nuts for a beautiful snack display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, allowing you to enjoy that chewy texture and creamy frosting anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie sandwiches before frosting for up to 3 months. Freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting and assembling for best results.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your cookies, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the cookie and slightly melts the frosting, making it even more irresistible. Just be sure not to overheat to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra bit of texture and nutty bites to your cookies and frosting, which some people really love. Just expect a slightly chunkier final product.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps control spreading while baking. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to blend and mature, so while you can skip it in a pinch, your cookies will be even better if you do chill.
Can I substitute the butter-flavored shortening?
You can replace the shortening with an equal amount of butter if you prefer, though the texture might be a tad softer and the cookies might spread a little more. The shortening adds structure and helps with crisp edges.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Using natural peanut butter instead of sweeter commercial varieties can also help keep the frosting less sugary.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well because oats are often processed with wheat products.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can whip up these chewy, flavorful sandwiches any time you’re craving something truly comforting and indulgent. I encourage you to dive in and share these with your loved ones—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lovely way to celebrate the wonderful world of peanut butter and oats in one perfect bite.
