Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, 1 cup creamy peanut butter and white and brown sugars. Add vanilla and then eggs, one at a time. Beat well after each addition. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add slowly to creamy mixture.

Shape into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Flatten balls with a fork.

Bake for 7-8 minutes depending on size (I tend to keep a close eye on them and remove them as soon as they start to get golden. This helps to make them chewy.) Cool on wire racks.

To Make the filling: Combine 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl adding enough milk to make for a creamy, frosting like texture. Spread frosting on one cookie and top off to make "sandwich".