Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies (GF & V Option)

If you’re a peanut butter lover, these peanut butter sandwich cookies are about to become a new favorite. Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are sandwiched together with a fluffy peanut butter buttercream for a dessert that’s rich, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying. Even better? They’re easy to make and can be adapted to be gluten-free and dairy-free with simple swaps.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting CAKED by Katie.

The Best Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

These cookies check all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing homemade treat, whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Double Peanut Butter: Peanut butter in both the cookies and the frosting means bold, cozy flavor in every bite.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Slightly underbaked centers keep the cookies tender even after sandwiching.
• Gluten-Free/Vegan Option: Easily made gluten-free using a 1:1 baking blend and vegan with plant-based swaps.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: These store beautifully at room temperature, in the fridge, or even in the freezer

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, with plenty of flexibility for swaps depending on what you have on hand. Pay close attention to the swaps listed if you are gluten-free and/or vegan.

Peanut Butter Cookies

• Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor; swap with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option
• Brown sugar: Keeps the cookies soft and chewy. Coconut sugar can be used for a slightly deeper flavor.
• Peanut butter: Provides structure and flavor. Go with a smooth, no-stir brand such as Kraft, Skippy, or Jif.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and tenderness without tasting like mayo. Plant-based mayo works perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend if needed. I love to bake with XO Baking gluten-free gourmet blend.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just enough
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness. Reduce slightly or omit entirely if your peanut butter is extra salty.

Peanut Butter Buttercream

• Salted butter: Creates a creamy, fluffy base. Plant-based butter works here, too, just make sure it’s in brick form. I enjoy using Becel plant-based bricks.
• Peanut butter: Keeps the frosting rich and smooth. Avoid natural peanut butter.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream. Double-check the brand if you are vegan.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor and cuts the sweetness.

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

Each step is straightforward, making this a great recipe for beginner and experienced bakers alike. Turn on the oven and plug in the mixer. Let’s start baking!

Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, mayonnaise, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
4. Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until a dough forms.
5. Scoop and shape: Scoop 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
6. Flatten: Gently press with a fork in a criss-cross pattern, dipping the fork in powdered sugar if sticking occurs.
7. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before assembling.

Peanut Butter Buttercream

1. Whip the base: Beat the butter and peanut butter on high until light and fluffy, about 5–10 minutes.
2. Add sugar and salt: Mix in the powdered sugar and salt on low, then increase to high and beat for 5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
3. Assemble: Pipe buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies and top with the remaining cookies.

Sandwich Peanut Butter Cookies Helpful Hints

These tips will help ensure perfect sandwich cookies every time.

• Use no-stir peanut butter: Natural peanut butter can cause spreading and texture issues.
• Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked cookies stay soft once sandwiched.
• Chill if needed: If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 20 minutes to prevent excess spreading.
• Pipe for even layers: Using a piping bag keeps the sandwiches neat and evenly filled.

Fun Flavor Twists For Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, these variations are fun ways to switch things up. I’d love to know if you try one of these ideas.

• Chocolate-Dipped Edges: Dip assembled cookies halfway into melted dark chocolate.
• Honey Peanut Butter: Swap part of the peanut butter in the frosting for honey peanut butter.
• Crunchy PB: Use crunchy peanut butter in the buttercream for added texture.
• Nutella Twist: Replace the peanut butter in the frosting with Nutella.
• Salted Finish: Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the buttercream before sandwiching

The Best Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Recipe

These peanut butter sandwich cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. The fluffy peanut butter buttercream adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming, making these cookies feel indulgent but still balanced.

They’re easy to make, hold up well for storing or freezing, and are always a crowd favorite. If you make them, I’d love for you to leave a 5-star rating and review, and don’t forget to tag me on social media @cakedbykatie so I can see your bakes.

More Amazing Peanut Butter Recipes

I am a peanut butter lover through and through. And if you are as well, here are a few recipes that I think you should try next:

Print