Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Prep 30 mins
Bake 8 mins
Makes 15 sandwich cookies, Serves 15

There’s nothing fancy about these traditional peanut butter cookies, they bake and taste just like the ones we grew up on.  Sweet, dense and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor.  I love the texture straight out of the fridge or freezer.  If you love peanut butter and want a unique take on this traditional cookie…spruce them up by making little sandwich cookies in the shape of peanuts!

Like olive oil, one of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for unhealthy fats in your diet, oleic acid is shown to help maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Oleic acid has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance, the common condition that raises blood sugar, causes weight gain and leads to diabetes.  Peanuts are also a great source of vitamins and antioxidants like manganese, vitamin E, and B vitamins. One of peanut butter’s most powerful antioxidants is coumaric acid.  Research found that its activity is boosted by 22% if you roast peanuts before whipping them into butter. Commercial peanut butter brands often have added sugars, oils, and fats. Make sure you look for all-natural roasted peanut butter without these added ingredients. 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.  

Mix dry ingredients well then add wet ingredients.  Use a hand mixer to blend for 2-3 minutes until thick and smooth cookie batter is achieved.  Let the dough rest for a few minutes then use your hands to knead the dough for 1-2 more minutes.  Use a small cookie scoop to make equal sized cookie balls, roll them in Sugar Swap then press down with your hands.  Use a fork to create the criss cross pattern on the top of each cookie.  Bake for 7-9 minutes until golden in color and the top of the cookies start to crack.  Do not overbake.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes on the warm cookie sheet then transfer to a rack to completely cool.

Make the peanut butter frosting by mixing all ingredients while adding hot water slowly until smooth, spreadable consistency is reached.  Smear the frosting on your cooled cookies and top with another cookie.  Yum!

*For best taste, texture and health benefits, refrigerate all Detox Desserts overnight before indulging.  Store covered in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for long term storage.