Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are like two cookies in one – delicious cookie sandwiches and festive decorated dipped cookies!  This is a small batch cookie recipe for tender chocolate butter cookies filled with browned butter peanut butter filling, then dipped in smooth melted chocolate.  For a Halloween cookie idea, web melted marshmallows over the cookies and adorn with spooky fun sprinkles.

Small stack of chocolate peanut butter dipped cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches

This recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches is very versatile and the cookies can be prepared in a number of different ways.  For example

  • Simple chocolate butter cookie – The chocolate butter cookie by itself makes a delicious cookie to accompany a hot cup of tea or cocoa.
  • Chocolate cookie sandwich – Make a classic cookie sandwich with your favorite filling or flavor.  Try a marshmallow filling, creamy buttercream, or peanut butter (like this recipe!).
  • Dipped cookie – The butter cookie can also be dipped by itself, like I did with the Healthier Thin Mints.  Or the cookie sandwich can be dipped in dark – or even white – chocolate.

Whether you are looking for a simple chocolate cookie, or something more elaborate that you can decorate for a holiday, this is a great base chocolate cookie recipe!

Chocolate Butter Cookies

Chocolate butter cookies are like a cross between a sugar cookie and a shortbread cookie.  The cookies are made with a higher ratio of butter – hence the name – and the result is a tender, slightly sweet, cookie.  Below is what you can expect with chocolate butter cookies:

  • The cookies do not spread – Even with all of the butter in the cookies, these cookies are like a shortbread in that they do not spread.  This is because of a few reasons:
    • There is a higher ratio of dry ingredients to wet ingredients, and that is apparent in the dry and crumbly dough.
    • The cookie dough is chilled, which sets up and cools the butter.
    • No leavening agents are used, which can contribute to cookie spread.
  • Not overly sweet – In contrast to a classic sugar cookie, the butter cookies do not have a lot of sugar.  A little less sugar is what contributes to the tender and crumbly cookie.
  • Rich chocolate flavor – I personally attribute the rich chocolate flavor to the Dutch process cocoa.  
  • Easy to roll out and cut – Once the cookie dough has been chilled, it is easy to roll out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

Cookies For Halloween

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches may just remind you of that delicious peanut butter and chocolate Halloween candy (yes – I’m talking about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups).  Although, you can consider these cookies for Halloween an elevated treat because they are decorated to be spooky and fun!

  • Melted Marshmallows – Not going to lie – working with the melted marshmallow is messy.  But that is part of the fun with decorating a cookie!
  • Spooky Fun Sprinkles – These cookies are a great way to use those super cute sprinkles you see all over the grocery and craft stores this time of year! 

What You Need To Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches

Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Cocoa Powder – I recommend Dutch process cocoa powder because I find it less acidic, and it produces a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Salt
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Egg Yolk
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Milk – Any milk will work.  The milk will help to moisten the cookie dough, if needed.
  • Peanut Butter – The peanut butter is for the filling and I recommend regular, creamy peanut butter -like Jif.
  • Powdered Sugar – The powdered sugar is for the filling.
  • Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Baking Bar – Any chocolate chip will work.  And if you can, I would recommend a chocolate baking bar, like Baker’s chocolate bars.  They melt smoother and don’t have the additional ingredients that chocolate chips do.
  • Coconut Oil – The coconut oils helps the chocolate melt smooth and glossy.  I have linked the coconut oil in the recipe, and recommend cold-pressed (solid) coconut oil
  • Marshmallows – If making a decorated Halloween cookie, melted mini marshmallows make great webs!
  • Sprinkles – Optional if making decorated Halloween (or any holiday) cookie.

Baking Equipment

  • Stand Mixer – I recommend using a stand mixer – even with this small batch of chocolate cookies – because it makes creaming the butter and mixing the dough easier.
    • If you have a Kitchen Aid tilt head stand mixer, smaller 3-quart mixing bowls are available.  Which are perfect for small batch baking.  The small bowls work with the standard attachments.
  • Hand Mixer – Only if you prefer to use a hand held mixer, instead of a stand mixer.
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
Three chocolate halloween cookies with web decoration on a plate

Tips For Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches

Chocolate Butter Cookie Tips

  • Use Dutch process cocoa powder – I tend to prefer Dutch process cocoa for two reasons:  1. It is not as acidic as natural cocoa powder, and 2. I find it has a smoother, more rich chocolate flavor.  
  • Don’t overmix the cookie dough – Butter cookie dough is drier than your typical cookie dough (for example, chocolate chip cookie dough).  The butter will moisten the dough, however if it is a warmer/drier day, you may need to add a little milk to moisten the dough.
  • Chill the cookie dough – This butter cookie dough does need time to chill.  This allows the dough to hydrate and the flavors develop.
  • Butter cookie dough is versatile – One of the may great things about butter cookie dough is that it is versatile and can be prepared in a few different ways.
    • Rolled and cut out – Like your classic sugar cookie, and the method for this recipe.  Roll out the cookie dough to your desired thickness, then use a cookie cutter to create the cookie shape.
    • Sliced – The Frosted Butter Cookie recipes uses this method.  The cookie dough is shaped into a log, then the chilled dough is sliced and baked.
    • Dropped – Chilled cookie dough can be baked into a simple drop cookie – no rolling or cutting required!

Peanut Butter Filling Tips

  • Try the browned butter in the filling – Browned butter adds a deep nutty flavor with a hint of toffee.  I am all about layers of flavor and the browned butter takes the peanut butter filling to the next level.
  • Regular creamy peanut butter works best – I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter for the filling – like Jif.  This way you don’t have to worry about mixing the oil and peanut butter separation you get with some natural peanut butters.  And the creamy peanut butter makes an easier to spread or pipe filling.
  • Add powdered sugar to taste – When adding the powered sugar to the peanut butter filling, add as much or as little as you prefer.  The powdered sugar helps to make the filling thick, and it also adds sweetness.  

The Chocolate Butter Cookies are not overly sweet.  If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add more powdered sugar to the filling and use milk chocolate for the chocolate coating.

Chocolate Dipped Cookie Tips

  • Chill the assembled cookie sandwiches before dipping in chocolate – The chilled cookies will make dipping them in the melt chocolate easier.  The chilled cookies also help the chocolate set faster.
  • Use a Baker’s chocolate bar – You can use chocolate chips.  However, I prefer to use a chocolate Baker’s bar because it melts smoother.
  • Chill the dipped cookies – After the cookies have been dipped in chocolate, let them chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set.
  • The melted marshmallow is messy – However, that is part of the fun of decorating the cookies.  You can try to use two forks to web the melted marshmallow over the cookies.  Otherwise, embrace the mess and use your fingers!

Common Questions For Making Chocolate Cookies with Peanut Butter Filling

Can this recipe be doubled?

I think the recipe will work fine if it is doubled.

Will natural cocoa powder work instead of Dutch process cocoa?

Yes, natural cocoa will work. Keep in mind you may find the cookie to have an acidic chocolate taste.

The dough seems really dry. What did I do wrong?

The dough is supposed to be drier and crumbly. Chilling the dough will bring it all together. However, if the dough seems excessively dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk.

Do I really have to chill the dough?

Yes. The dough needs time to hydrate and as it chills, more flavor will develop.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

This is up to you and how thick you like your cookies. I rolled my cookies out to approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Do I have to make the browned butter?

You don’t, but I encourage you to try it. The browned butter adds layers of flavor that make the cookies decadent.

I like a very sweet cookie. Can I add more sugar to the filling?

Feel free to add more powdered sugar to the filling to suit your taste preference.

What is the best chocolate to use to melt for dipping?

I recommend a chocolate Baker’s bar because it melts easier and smoother.

How should I store leftover cookies?

I like to keep my dipped cookies in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm. However, the cookies should store fine if stored covered at room temperature. Just make sure it isn’t too warm, otherwise the chocolate will melt.

Chocolate peanut butter cookies in a stack

More Small Batch Chocolate Cookie Recipes

Chocolate peanut butter dipped sandwich cookies arranged on a platter

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dipped Cookie Sandwiches

Yield: 8 Cookie Sandwiches
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are like two cookies in one – delicious cookie sandwiches and festive decorated dipped cookies!  This is a small batch cookie recipe for tender chocolate butter cookies filled with browned butter peanut butter filling, then dipped in smooth melted chocolate.  For a Halloween cookie idea, web melted marshmallows over the cookies and adorn with spooky fun sprinkles.
Prep20 minutes
Cook8 minutes
Chill1 hour
Total1 hour 28 minutes

Ingredients
 

Chocolate Butter Cookie

  • 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup, plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating

Instructions

Chocolate Butter Cookies

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Using a hand held mixer on medium high speed, cream the butter and sugar until pale, light, and fluffy. Tip – You can also use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and a 3-quart mixing bowl. This particular bowl works on Kitchen Aid tilt-head mixers.
  • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and continue to beat until thoroughly incorporated. Reduce the speed to low and add the dry ingredients in a few increments – beating after each addition until mostly incorporated. With the final addition, beat just until no dry streaks remain and the dough has been moistened by the butter. Do not overmix the dough. The dough is supposed to be dry and scrappy. If it is too dry and not getting moistened by the butter mixture, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk. Tip – If using a hand held mixer and the dough is too tough to mix, mix the dough by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon.
  • Pour the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a disc. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Tip – Use the excess plastic wrap to handle the dough and form into a disc instead of your hands. This will keep your hands clean and keep the butter from being overheated.

Peanut Butter Filling

  • You can make the peanut butter filling while the dough is chilling, or while the cookies are baking and cooling.
  • Brown the butter – In a small saucepan, add the butter. While stirring, heat over medium heat until the butter has melted, started to turn brown with little brown flecks, and smells nutty. Remove from the heat. Note – This small amount of butter will brown quickly, so do not turn your back on it.
  • Add the peanut butter to the brown butter and return to low heat to just melt the butter and peanut butter together.
  • Transfer the peanut butter mix to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand held mixer with beater attachments, add the powdered sugar in a few increments. After each addition, mix on low speed to just incorporate the powdered sugar (and not make a mess!). After the final addition, turn up to medium speed to mix the filling until smooth and creamy. Tip – If you prefer a thicker filling, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. Keep in mind, the filling will thicken as it cools.
  • Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap and set aside on the counter until ready to assemble the cookies.
  • Bake the Cookies – 15 minutes into the dough chill time, preheat the oven to 350F degrees and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line two baking sheets with pieces of parchment paper.
  • Place the chilled cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick – or thinner if you prefer a thinner cookie. Tip – Use the sheets of parchment from the lined baking sheets to save on parchment! You will need to re-roll and cut out the dough at least twice to use up the dough.
  • Use a round cookie cutter (I used a 2-inch round cookie cutter) and cut out the cookies. Place the cut out cookies on the baking sheets (put the parchment back on the baking sheet!), about 2 inches apart. NoteThese cookies do not spread. Spacing them apart allows for better heat destitution around the cookies. You will likely have scraps left that are too small to cut into a cookie that can be discarded or baked.
  • The number of cookies you get from the dough will depend on how thick/thin you roll the dough, and the size of cookie cutter.
  • Bake the cookies, one baking sheet at a time, for 8 minutes. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet set on a wire cooling rack for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely. Note – Because of the dark color, it will be hard to tell if the cookies are baked to golden perfection. You can test if the cookies are done by gently touching them and they have a baked exterior, and you will start to smell the baked cocoa. Do not overbake the cookies as they can burn very quickly.
  • Assemble the Cookies – On a baking sheet, divide the cookies equally into tops and bottoms. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the peanut butter filling onto the cookie bottoms. Put the cookie tops on. Chill the cookie sandwiches for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or freezer. Note – Chilling the assembled cookies makes them easier to dip into the melted chocolate.

Chocolate Coating

  • Over a Double Boiler – Fill a saucepan with two inches of water and heat to a simmer. Set a heat-proof mixing bowl over the top of the saucepan (large enough so it does not touch the water), and add the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
  • Heat the chocolate until it has just melted and remove from the heat.
  • Dip the Cookies – Using a fork or offset spatula, dunk the chilled cookie sandwiches into the melted chocolate – rotating around to thoroughly coat them – and place back onto the baking sheet. Chill the dipped cookies in the refrigerator until the chocolate has set.
  • Optional Marshmallow Web – In a small bowl, melt the marshmallows in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Using your fingers (this gets messy!) or two forks, randomly string the melted marshmallow over the top of the cookies. The marshmallow firms up quickly, so work fast! Top with Halloween sprinkles and Enjoy!
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RECIPE NOTES

  • Serving Size – The number of cookie sandwiches will depend on how thick you roll out the dough, and the size of the cookie cutter.
  • Chocolate Coating – I recommend a chocolate Baker’s bar because they do not have added ingredients like chocolate chips.  I find they melt smoother and coat more evenly.  Though any chocolate chip you prefer will work.
  • Marshmallow Web – There is no specific direction or method on how to apply the marshmallow web.  Melted marshmallow is stringy and sticky which makes it a perfect web when applied randomly.  
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Erin Cernich
Nutrition information is calculated by a third-party and should only be considered an estimate and not a guarantee.
About the author photo.

about the author ...

I'm Erin and I'm all about desserts - and a little bit of butter!

I've tested, written, and photographed hundreds of recipes on my website. Here you'll find the tastiest small batch gluten free and traditional desserts - all homemade, all simple, and all for you!

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