Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Makes 24 Cookies

    For the Cookies

  1. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Pulse peanuts in food processor until finely chopped, about 8 pulses.
  4. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
  5. Whisk butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and egg together in a second bowl.
  6. Stir flour mixture unto peanut butter mixture with rubber spatula until combined.
  7. Stir in peanuts until evenly distributed.
  8. Using #60 scoop or tablespoon measure, place 12 mounds, evenly spaced, on each prepared baking sheet.
  9. Using a damp hand, flatten mounds until 2 inches in diameter.
  10. Bake until deep golden brown and firm to touch, 15 to 18 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking.
  11. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes.
  12. Transfer cookies to wire rack and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  13. Repeat portioning and baking with remaining dough.
  14. For the Filling

  15. Microwave peanut butter and butter until butter is meted and warm, about 40 seconds.
  16. Using rubber spatula, stir in confectioners' sugar until combined.
  17. To Assemble

  18. Place 24 cookies upside down on work surface.
  19. Place 1 level tablespoon #60 scoop warm filling in the center of each cookie.
  20. Place second cookie on top of filling, right side up, pressing gently until filling spreads to the edges.
  21. Allow filling to set for 1 hour before serving.
  22. Do ahead: Assembled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

"March & April 2012". Cooks Magazine. April, 2010: page 24.