Introduction
Discover the delightful world of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, affectionately known as “The Nora Ephron.” This delectable recipe brings together two childhood favorites: peanut butter and cookies. The combination promises a rich, creamy filling with perfectly crisp edges, ensuring every bite is an explosion of flavors that evoke the comforting nostalgia associated with classic snacks.
Tips for this recipe
To achieve the best results with these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, consider using a stand mixer to blend your dough and cream cheese frosting thoroughly. Additionally, patience is key; let your cookies cool completely before attempting to remove them from their baking sheets for the optimal texture.
Why you will love this recipe
Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional sandwiches, merging sweet and savory elements in harmony. The creamy peanut butter filling envelops soft cookies, creating an indulgent treat that satisfies both sweet-tooth cravings and peanut lovers alike. With the playful name “The Nora Ephron,” you’re not just baking a cookie; you’re savoring a piece of culinary storytelling.
Ingredients
- Electric Mixer
- 1-ounce Ice Cream Scoop (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 2/3 cups rolled oats, such as Quaker Old Fashioned
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for rolling)
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup crunchy natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Advised Equipment
- Stand Mixer (for efficient mixing of dough and cream cheese frosting)
- Piping Bag Set (for decorating cookies with various tips)
- Silicone Baking Mat (to ensure evenly baked, non-stick results)
- Offset Spatula (ideal for spreading and shaping dough)
- Cookie Cutter Set (essential for crafting custom shapes)
- Electric Mixer, handhraned version (a suitable alternative if a stand mixer isn’t available)
- Rolling Pin (optional tool for rolling dough evenly before baking or cutting)
- Dough Cutter / Bench Scraper (useful in transferring and handling the dough during preparation)
- Parchment Paper Sheets (for lining baking sheets, taking into account oven temperatures and silicone mats)
- Convection Oven (an option for faster, more evenly baked cookies)
History of the Recipe
The peanut butter cookie has a rich history rooted in American culinary traditions. Initially introduced as an innovative snack during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they quickly became popular due to their simplicity of ingredients and delightful taste. The iconic Nora Ephron connection stems from her portrayal of a strong-willed woman in several classic films. Although no direct link exists between the actress and this recipe’s name, it adds an extra layer of charm that pays homage to her enduring cultural impact.
Fun Facts
- The first recorded use of peanut butter dates back to 1794 by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg as a vegetarian food source for his patients with dyspepsia.
- Peanuts are technically legumes, not nuts; this distinction is crucial in certain dietary contexts and allergy considerations.
- The term “cream cheese frosting” can be traceable back to the 1920s when commercial cream cheese first became available.