Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional, if you want extra contrast to the sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Make the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use a fork to gently flatten each ball of dough and create a crisscross pattern (you can also flatten them with your hands if you prefer).
2. Bake the cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Make the filling:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the filling is light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (optional) to enhance the flavor. Mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble the cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the peanut butter filling on the bottom side of one cookie.
Top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich the cookies together. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
5. Serve:
Enjoy these peanut butter sandwich cookies right away, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.