These miso peanut butter and jelly sandwich cookies are a unique twist on the classic PB&J flavor combo. The miso adds a salty, umami depth, while the creamy peanut butter brings familiar sweetness. Sandwiched with a jam filling, these cookies are perfect for when you’re in the mood for something a little different but still comforting.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (213 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup white miso
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably all-natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large egg whites, divided
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons jam (Concord grape or strawberry)
Steps to Make It:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all the ingredients. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Wet Ingredients:
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, miso, peanut butter, and vanilla extract on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. - Add Egg Whites:
In a small bowl, whisk 2 of the egg whites until foamy, then add them to the stand mixer. Mix until just combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients in 3 increments, mixing on medium-low speed after each addition. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. - Shape and Cut the Cookies:
After chilling, dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to bring it together. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cutter (or any shape you like), cut out the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. You should get about 60 cookies, depending on the size of your cutter. - Brush and Garnish:
Lightly brush the top of each cookie with the remaining egg white, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, rotating and switching the baking sheets halfway through. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. Let them cool completely on the sheet pans on a cooling rack. - Prepare the Filling:
While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter until light in texture. Add the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low speed until almost combined. Add the milk and jam, then continue to beat the mixture until fluffy and aerated. - Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled, either pipe or spread the frosting on the bottom-side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with the remaining halves to complete your miso peanut butter and jelly cookies.
How to Store:
- Unfilled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. If they become a little stale, microwave them briefly to soften.
- Filled cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer softer cookies, store the filled cookies in the fridge.
Feeling Adventurous? Try These Fillings:
- Store-bought mochi or ice cream mochi
- Spoonfuls of jam in the center surrounded by a buttercream “dam”
- Marshmallow Fluff
- Chocolate ganache
- Toasted marshmallows and Nutella
Conclusion:
These miso peanut butter and jelly cookies are a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Perfectly balanced with the nuttiness of peanut butter, the umami of miso, and the sweetness of jam, these cookies are a new take on a familiar classic. Give them a try and share them with friends—you’ll love the unique flavor!