Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies (Treats For Co-Irkers)

This marks the third week in a row that I've made treats for the co-irkers that include peanut butter in the ingredients. Am I a peanut butter freak? Well, yes I am, thank you very much for asking. However, if any of the co-irkers are not fond of peanut butter (or God forbid, allergic to it,) speak now or forever hold your peanuts. That was "hold your PEANUTS," in case you misread or have the mind of a 12 year old boy.

These peanut butter sandwich cookies will delight any peanut butter lover. The creamy filling takes them to a whole new level no doubt, but if you happen to find yourself alone at home while you're making these and promise to leave no evidence behind, I'd suggest you take one and roll it in mini chocolate chips. Go ahead. I give you permission. But only one, OK?

Peanut Butter Cream-Filled Sandwich Cookies (makes 3 dozen sandwich cookies)

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

Cream together the peanut butters, shortening, butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, scraping down the bowl and beaters after mixing. In a smaller bowl whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flours. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well to combine.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls two inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. (I used the plunger from my food processor.) Bake for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two on baking sheet before moving to cooling rack to cool completely.

Peanut Butter Cream Filling

1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups marshmallow Fluff
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup powdered sugar
In a mixing bowl beat together all ingredients except for the powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat well to combine.


To assemble the sandwiches:

Take a tablespoonful of the peanut butter cream and place on bottom of one cookie. Take another cookie and place it, bottom side down, on top of the cream-topped cookie. Flatten slightly to spread the cream evenly.