For the past couple weeks, instead of planning an elaborate Thanksgiving meal, the only concern was choosing a dessert for kids to enjoy. We all know there are many sweet recipes in the universe, but feeding kids is a finicky situation. A cake seems like an easy choice, but it’s difficult to transport. Cookies became the obvious answer.
There are many types of cookies, but a cookie sandwich made from scratch is completely unexpected for many kids. What flavor would kids prefer? There are many flavors, but two choices became clear. It was either the classic Chocolate Cookie with Peanut Butter Cream or an exotic Orange Cookie with Pomegranate Cream sandwich. The question was posted on my personal Facebook page. Everyone said Chocolate Cookie with Peanut Butter Cream. Kids are simple, for the latter choice is too complex. A friend said a kid eating an orange cookie would scrunch up their face in disgust. I faintly envision hearing a whiny “ewwww” from a child’s mouth as they tasted a buttery citrus cookie. My heart sunk at the thought. Another friend mentioned every kid loves chocolate. I wanted someone to say the exotic cookie, because it’s more enticing to make. For a while, everyone’s advice was ignored. A girlfriend suggested if the orange cookies are made, don’t tell the kids about the flavor until they’ve tried and finished it. That sounds fair to me.
Then, at the last minute, a serious change of mind occurred. These cookies are not about me. They’re for kids. Every parent is saying kids want simple. I thought, why go through the trouble of making an exotic cookie sandwich, only to have the kids gag with discontent. So, the Chocolate Cookie with Peanut Butter Cream was chosen. However, a cousin suggested making a Peanut Butter Cookie with Chocolate Cream sandwich. An “mmmmm” was added after her recommendation in the comment section.
Based on her suggestion, a batch of Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Cream Sandwiches were made, and they were “mmmmm” delicious. The kids were extremely excited. The oldest child said they were too perfect to eat, like it should be displayed in a museum. By the way, one of the kids mentioned a serious love for pickles and olives. Which made me think about what type of tastebud would like such strong and salty flavors? Perhaps, they might want to try an Orange and Pomegranate Cream Sandwich? Until the next time, we’ll see.
Peanut Butter Cookie
Ingredients
1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter; room-temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh unsweetened peanut butter
1 egg; room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour; extra for rolling the dough
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. milk
Directions
1. Cream the butter, sugar and peanut butter until light and fluffy. About 5 minutes. Meanwhile mix or shift the dry ingredients and the nutmeg together.
2. Add the egg and vanilla until just incorporated. Add the dry ingredients to the batter. Add just enough milk as needed.
3. Shape dough into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the plastic wrap and cut dough in half. Place one-half back in the refrigerator.
5. Lightly flour a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out dough to 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. Continue to add flour to the rolling pin and surface as needed, to prevent stickiness. Cut rolled dough with a cookie cutter (any size from 1″ to 2-1/2″ in diameter will work). Place cookies on a lightly buttered cookie sheet, at least 1/2″ inch apart. Repeat this step with the second half of the dough in the refrigerator.
6. Bake cookies until the edges are lightly, golden brown; about 6 to 10 minutes (different ovens will vary the time, as well as personal taste for lightly chewy to crunchy). After the cookies has been removed from the oven, let rest for 1 minute. Place cookies onto a cooling rack.
Chocolate Cream
Ingredients
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2-1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Directions
1. Melt butter and let cool. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla salt and nutmeg.
2. Alternatively add the powder sugar and milk. Beat until smooth.
Assembling the Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Cream Sandwich
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookies
Chocolate Cream
Directions
1. Spread about a teaspoon of Chocolate Cream on top of the bottom (brown color) of a Peanut Butter Cookie. Place another Peanut Butter Cookie on top. Repeat with the other cookies and cream.
2. Enjoy!
I love these cookies! thanks for the recipe, my kids will love it!
You seriously cannot go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate! Dream come true to have those two items smushed into some kind of cookie sandwich! Delicious! I know that my own kids will find your recipe amazing, so will have to try this in the very near future! Amazing!
Fantastic! I have a feeling these would be very dangerous to keep around the house!
I, too, love peanut butter and chocolate. These look fantastic; I’m sure they were a big hit!
You’re right. Peanut butter and chocolate is for kids, and for kids here, too. The cookies look good. I would love to dunk these in my coffee.