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, based on preference)

Steps to Make the Miso-Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies with Jam Filling:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
   • Add the white miso, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and well incorporated.
   • Add 2 of the egg whites, one at a time, to the mixture, mixing well after each addition.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in dense cookies.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
   • Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough, rolling each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Gently press down each dough ball with the back of a fork or your fingers to flatten slightly, creating a disc shape.
   • Brush the remaining egg white over the top of each cookie and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges. The center may still look slightly soft, but the cookies will firm up as they cool.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • While the cookies cool, make the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, beating until fluffy and light in texture.
   • Add the milk and continue to beat until the filling reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
   • Finally, add the jam (grape or strawberry) to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated. The jam adds a lovely fruity sweetness that balances the savory and nutty flavors of the cookies.
4. Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have cooled completely, take one cookie and spread a generous layer of the filling on the flat side.
   • Place a second cookie on top to form a sandwich, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly.
   • Repeat the process until all the cookies are assembled.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • These miso-peanut butter sandwich cookies are now ready to be served! They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for later.

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cooking Time:
12 minutes

Total Time:
42 minutes

Servings:
18-20 sandwich cookies (depending on size)

Nutritional Facts (per cookie):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Sugars: 15g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

(Note: Nutritional facts are approximations and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless: This unique combination of sweet and savory flavors with miso, peanut butter, and jam makes these cookies truly one-of-a-kind. The inclusion of white miso adds a delightful umami flavor that balances out the sweetness of the sugars, making them more complex and interesting than your average cookie. The miso provides a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich, nutty peanut butter and sweet jam filling. These cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds but also an exciting adventure for anyone looking to explore unconventional ingredient pairings.

Though miso might be an unexpected ingredient in cookies, its deep, savory flavor complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the slight nuttiness of the peanut butter in a way that feels both surprising and satisfying. The sesame seeds add a little crunch and a nutty aroma, tying the cookies together with a slight touch of Asian influence, and the jam filling adds a refreshing fruity contrast to the rich, savory cookies.

These cookies are a great way to introduce someone to the savory-sweet flavor trend in baking. Whether served at a special event or simply enjoyed as an afternoon snack, they are bound to be a conversation starter. This recipe shows that classic ingredients like peanut butter and jam can be elevated by a bold ingredient like miso, making it a timeless treat that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of miso?
   Yes, you can use either red or yellow miso if that’s what you have on hand. However, white miso is recommended for its mild flavor, which won’t overpower the other ingredients.
2. Can I substitute the peanut butter with almond butter?
   Yes, you can easily substitute almond butter or any other nut butter of your choice for the peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use a smooth, creamy variety.
3. How can I make the cookies without an egg white wash?
   If you prefer not to use egg whites for brushing, you can skip this step entirely, or substitute with a dairy-free milk or a simple sugar syrup to help the sesame seeds adhere.

Tips on How to Make:

• Miso Consistency:
  If your miso seems too thick, you can thin it slightly by mixing it with a bit of warm water to achieve a smooth consistency before adding it to the dough.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This will allow the flavors to develop even further.
• Filling Variations:
  Feel free to experiment with the filling! You can try different jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or even a tangy lemon curd. Alternatively, a chocolate filling would be delicious if you want a richer dessert.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature:
  Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but will stay soft and delicious for a few days.
• Freezing:
  If you want to freeze the cookies, you can freeze the baked cookies (before assembly) in a single layer, then transfer them to a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them and then add the filling.

Conclusion:
These Miso-Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies with Jam Filling represent the beauty of creativity in baking. By combining classic flavors like peanut butter and jam with the unique umami flavor of miso, these cookies become an exciting and sophisticated treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe offers a fun challenge and a chance to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations. The result is a truly memorable cookie that is both savory and sweet, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply as a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a new favorite. So go ahead, give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!