1cup2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, cut into 1-inch pieces
1cupof granulated sugar
1cupfirmly packed dark brown sugar
2large eggs
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1cupcreamy peanut butter
Ingredients for Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Filling:
3ouncesmilk chocolate, chopped
1/4cupcreamy peanut butter
2tablespoonspowdered sugar
1/4teaspooncoarse kosher salt
6tablespoonswhipping cream
Instructions
Directions to Make Cookies:
Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and milk chocolate in a medium bowl; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Scrape down and add eggs, one at a time, until each is incorporated. Mixture will be light and fluffy. Add vanilla and peanut butter and beat until just incorporated.
Add half of flour mixture and mix for 15 seconds. Add remaining flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Cover the bowl in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto a baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. With the palm of your hand, very gently press each cookie down so that it forms a very tall disk. Do not press too hard or press the cookie too flat.
Sprinkle tops with granulated sugar and bake for 8 minutes or until the tops of cookies just begin to brown.
Remove pan from oven and cool on wire rack for 2 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer individual cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Directions to Make Filling:
Place chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. In a small heavy saucepan bring whipping cream to a boil over medium heat. Pour hot cream over chocolate mixture; stir until mixture is melted and smooth. Transfer to refrigerator to chill until thick and spreadable, about 1 hour.
Spread about 1 rounded teaspoonful chocolate-peanut butter filling on flat side of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, forming a sandwich. Repeat with remaining filling and cookies. Store in airtight container at room temperature.