Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches

When my twins were in second grade, they’d race through the door each afternoon, backpacks half-zipped and cheeks flushed, chanting “Snack time!” like a battle cry. I quickly learned that a good after school snack could turn a tired, cranky moment into something sweet, grounding, and joyful. That’s how these chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie sandwiches were born — soft, hearty, and bursting with just enough jam to feel like a treat.

this Recipe

After school snacks for kids don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, these cookies come together in a way that feels nostalgic, filling, and downright comforting. Whether you’re baking for school days, playdates, or lunchbox love notes, this is one recipe I keep in constant rotation.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie sandwiches are everything a good after school treat should be: chewy, nutty, and naturally sweet. The combination of hearty oats and creamy peanut butter makes each bite rich and satisfying.

No refined sugar needed — just honey and jam do the trick, making it a smarter option among after school snacks for kids. You can mix, scoop, and bake in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy school weeks.

Kids love the fun of sandwiches, especially when cookies are involved. The soft oatmeal cookies hold together just enough fruit spread to keep things exciting without going overboard.

This recipe is easy, requires only one mixing bowl, and is great for little hands to help with. Bake them ahead and pop into lunchboxes or keep a stash in the freezer for busy afternoons.

They’re also versatile — swap the jam, add sprinkles, or try mini sizes for smaller appetites. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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Ingredient Overview

These cookie sandwiches bring together wholesome pantry staples with the playful charm of PB&J. Expect a soft texture, light chew, and just the right touch of fruity sweetness.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The classic base — adds protein, richness, and that irresistible nutty taste kids love in after school snacks for kids.

• Honey: Naturally sweetens the cookies and keeps them chewy without refined sugar.

• Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds structure while keeping things tender.

• Old-Fashioned Oatmeal: Adds fiber and texture; gives the cookies a hearty, filling bite.

• Baking Soda: Just a bit lifts the dough and keeps everything balanced.

• More Peanut Butter (for Filling): Because double peanut butter is never a bad idea.

• Seedless Blackberry or Raspberry Spread: Use Crofter’s Organic or your favorite jam; fruit spread brings brightness and classic PB&J flair.

Styling tip: Roll the edges in finely chopped peanuts or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a fun, bakery-style finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps those cookies bake up with golden bottoms — just the way we like ‘em.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and ½ cup of honey. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Then, add in your egg and beat until the mixture is glossy and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Turn the mixer to low speed and stir in 3 cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix just until everything is incorporated. The dough will be thick and a little sticky — perfect for scooping.

Tip: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 10 minutes for easier handling.

Step 4: Scoop and Flatten

Using a 1-tablespoon scoop (about ½ oz), drop heaping scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a couple inches between them. Gently flatten the tops of each scoop with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

This hands-on step is fun for kids, making this one of the most interactive after school snacks for kids!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 7–8 minutes, just until set and lightly cracked on top. They’ll still be soft in the center — don’t overbake! Let them rest on the sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool.

Step 6: Create the Filling

Once the cookies are completely cool, turn each one over. Spread the bottoms of half with a teaspoon of peanut butter, and the other half with a teaspoon of jam or fruit spread. Gently press the peanut butter side and jelly side together to create dreamy little sandwich cookies.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. You can even freeze them individually wrapped for longer-lasting after school snacks for kids that are always ready to go.

Pro Tips

If you’re making these for weekly lunch prep or after school snacks for kids, I suggest doubling the batch. These cookie sandwiches freeze beautifully and thaw just right in lunchboxes by midday.

Use natural peanut butter if you like, but make sure it’s stirred well and not too oily. It’ll help keep the cookies sturdy and the filling from slipping out.

Want perfectly round cookies? Use a cookie scoop and gently shape the edges with your fingers right after baking, while they’re still warm. That small touch makes your after school snacks for kids look extra polished and fun.

For a firmer sandwich, refrigerate the filled cookies for 10–15 minutes before serving. It helps the peanut butter set and makes them easier for little hands to hold.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough for a cozy flavor twist. And always store the sandwiches flat in a single layer with parchment between to prevent sticking.

Want more snack inspiration? Try these easy healthy after school snacks — they’re a perfect companion to these cookie sandwiches.

Variations

Swap the jam! Strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot work beautifully. You can even use apple butter or fig spread for a fall-inspired twist on classic after school snacks for kids.

Make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. The texture stays just as chewy, and everyone can still enjoy the fun.

Mini-size them using a teaspoon scoop instead of a tablespoon. Great for little fingers, party trays, or lunchbox variety.

Want to boost the protein? Stir in a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia into the cookie dough. It’s an easy way to give your after school treats extra staying power.

These also work wonderfully as part of a preschool snack platter. Pair with fruit slices and cheese cubes — just like we do in our preschool snack ideas roundup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter oatmeal cookie sandwiches are such a treat right after school with a cold glass of milk or even a banana smoothie. I also love tucking one into lunchboxes as a surprise sweet bite alongside turkey roll-ups or apple slices. For younger ones, pair them with veggie sticks and cheese cubes for a colorful, well-rounded plate.

They make a great playdate treat or a sweet addition to a kid-friendly dessert board. If you’re planning a week of after school snacks for kids, these are easy to prep ahead and store for stress-free snacking. You might also enjoy browsing my lunch ideas for kids to round out your weekly menu with fun and healthy options.

Conclusion

Every bite of these chewy cookie sandwiches feels like a little homemade hug. They take something familiar — PB&J — and give it a warm, soft-baked twist that delights both kids and grownups alike. Whether you’re packing lunch or creating after school snacks for kids, this recipe invites creativity, care, and comfort into your kitchen.

If you’re on the hunt for even more sweet snack ideas, check out our desserts collection, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly inspiration.
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out! Try the recipe, leave a comment, and tell me how your kids liked them. You can also tag your version on social media — I’m always cheering you on.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!

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