Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: A Decadent Delight
This weekend, we embarked on a delightful baking adventure, revisiting an old favorite with an irresistible new twist! We’re talking about a cookie creation that brings together the best of several worlds: the comforting richness of peanut butter, the classic allure of chocolate chips, and the decadent magic of chocolate hazelnut spread. The result? Our incredibly popular Chocolate Hazelnut Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, a treat that promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite.
Imagine a cookie that is both light and sandy, yet perfectly chewy, bursting with the beloved combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips. Now, elevate that experience by sandwiching two of these exquisite cookies around a luscious filling of creamy peanut butter and silky smooth chocolate hazelnut spread. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a meticulously crafted dessert experience, designed to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Each component plays a crucial role, from the delicate crumble of the cookie exterior to the melt-in-your-mouth richness of the dual-layer filling, ensuring a balanced and utterly satisfying indulgence.
The beauty of these Chocolate Hazelnut Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies lies in their versatility, particularly when it comes to size. I often find myself torn between making a batch of delightful mini cookies or opting for a more substantial, larger version. Both have their charm and their place. The smaller cookies are perfect for feeding a larger crowd, making them an ideal choice for parties, potlucks, or when you simply want to offer a delicate bite-sized treat. While they might be a little more time-consuming to shape, the reward is an impressive platter of dainty, irresistible confections. On the other hand, a larger cookie offers a more generous indulgence, perfect for a cozy evening with a cup of coffee or as a satisfying after-dinner dessert. Ultimately, the choice is yours – go with whatever size suits your mood or your occasion!
The foundation of this incredible sandwich cookie is a simple yet profoundly delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. This base is intentionally crafted to be light and slightly sandy, providing the perfect textural contrast to the creamy fillings. The delicate structure of the cookie allows the rich flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread to shine through without being overpowered. We’ve meticulously balanced the sweetness, ensuring that while it’s a treat, it’s not cloyingly sweet, making it enjoyable for all palates. The key to achieving this perfect texture lies in using softened butter and blending the ingredients just enough to combine, avoiding overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
While the sandwich version of these cookies is truly a showstopper, sometimes you might prefer a simpler, perhaps slightly less sweet, indulgence. In that case, feel absolutely free to skip the sandwiching step altogether! These chocolate peanut butter chocolate chip cookies stand perfectly on their own. Served as single cookies, they still offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures – a soft, peanut buttery cookie studded with melty chocolate chips. They make a wonderful everyday treat, ideal for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or alongside a glass of cold milk. This flexibility makes the recipe even more valuable, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or the occasion at hand, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
Baking is an art, but it’s also a science. To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few essential tips. Firstly, always use room temperature butter and eggs. This allows them to cream together more easily, creating a smooth, emulsified mixture that traps air, leading to lighter, fluffier cookies. Secondly, when adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. For a truly light and sandy texture, gentle mixing is key. Thirdly, don’t skimp on quality ingredients. A good quality peanut butter will significantly impact the flavor profile, as will your choice of chocolate chips. Whether you prefer semisweet or dark chocolate, opt for brands that melt beautifully and have a rich, complex flavor.
Considering the chocolate hazelnut spread, we recommend using a high-quality brand that you personally enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the filling. Similarly, ensure your peanut butter is creamy and smooth, as it will contribute to the luxurious texture of the sandwich. The optional sparkling sugar adds a beautiful visual appeal and a delicate crunch, enhancing the overall sensory experience. When it comes to baking, keep a close eye on your oven. Oven temperatures can vary, so the suggested baking time is a guideline. Look for cookies that are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture. Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack allows them to set properly and prevents them from breaking.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, these sandwich cookies offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Beyond the classic chocolate hazelnut and peanut butter filling, consider other exciting variations. A simple chocolate ganache could be heavenly, or perhaps a homemade caramel drizzle for an extra layer of sweetness. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate chips in the cookie dough itself – white chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, or even butterscotch chips for a unique twist. For an extra nutty crunch, finely chopped roasted hazelnuts or peanuts can be folded into the cookie dough. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your homemade cookies. Once completely cooled, store your Chocolate Hazelnut Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you live in a warm climate or prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. These cookies also freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be just as delightful as when they were freshly baked.
Whether you’re serving these decadent cookies at a special gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them as a personal indulgence, they are sure to be a hit. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination, or elevate the experience with a rich cup of coffee or espresso. For a truly dessert-worthy presentation, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the ice cream to gently melt into the cookie. The combination of warm cookie and cold ice cream creates an unforgettable treat that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
Recipe
Chocolate Hazelnut Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (4.5 ounces) creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (cut in half if using salted butter)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ cups (6.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1 slightly heaping cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- Sparkling Sugar (optional, for decoration)
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (for the luscious filling)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with nonstick foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the creamy peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Finally, beat in the large egg, mixing just until it is fully incorporated into the dough. Avoid overmixing once the egg is added.
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Add the baking soda to the wet ingredients and stir until it is thoroughly blended throughout the dough. Then, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until no dry streaks remain and the flour is just blended. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
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For mini cookies, use a level teaspoon of dough, scoop it up, and roll it into small, uniform balls. For larger cookies, use a level tablespoon of dough. Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, pressing them slightly to form flat circles. Arrange them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. If desired, sprinkle sparkling sugar over half of the flattened dough rounds before baking. These sugared cookies will be the top halves of your sandwiches.
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Bake one cookie sheet at a time on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes for smaller cookies, or slightly longer (10-12 minutes) if you’re making larger cookies, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the middle. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are entirely cool, turn half of them upside down. Spread a small amount of chocolate hazelnut spread on one cookie half, and a dollop of peanut butter on the other half. Gently cap with the remaining cookies to create your delicious sandwich cookies.
Notes