One batch of dough equals three ways to make some delicious peanut butter cookies.  Peanut butter cookies are one of my youngest son’s favorite cookies.  I am always looking for a way to make them a little different but keep that peanut butter flavor he loves.  Here is a way to create a variety of cookies and you only have to make one cookie dough.  You can make old fashion peanut butter cookies, peanut butter thumbprint cookies and a peanut butter sandwich cookie.  I used strawberry jam but you can use any jelly or jam that your family likes, the combinations are endless. If you double the Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookie recipe below you can make 2 dozen of each peanut butter cookie out of one bowl of dough.  The recipe for the old fashioned peanut butter cookie is a good one, I have placed 1st for three years in a row at my county fair!

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies ~ makes 3 dozen
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cups peanut butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
extra sugar for rolling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.  In large bowl beat butter, peanut butter and vanilla until combined.  Add brown and white sugar and beat until creamy, about 2 minutes.  Add eggs one at a time until mixed.  Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.  Roll into 1 1/2 -inch balls and then roll in the extra white sugar.  Using a fork, flatten cookie and make a criss-cross pattern.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown.  Let cookies cool on baking sheet 5 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Take two of the baked peanut butter cookies above add 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam on one cookie.  Place second cookie on top and press down to squeeze the jelly or jam evenly inside the cookie.

Peanut Butter Thumbprints with Jelly
One batch of Peanut Butter cookie dough
1 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup favorite jelly or jam

After making the peanut butter dough roll into 2-inch balls.  Roll in the chopped peanuts and place on baking sheet.  With your thumb make a deep indentation.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on rack for 5 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.  Add a 1/2 teaspoon of the jelly or jam to the center of the cookie.