Preparation Steps

• Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the honey, vanilla, and salt. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until thick and moldable. Scoop 12 portions (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each), flatten into disks, and place on a parchment-lined plate. Chill until firm, 20–30 minutes.
• Start the ganache: Warm the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming with small bubbles around the edges (do not boil). Pour over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl, cover, and let sit 3 minutes. Whisk from the center outward until glossy and smooth. Set aside at room temperature to thicken slightly while you bake.
• Mix the cookie dough: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until glossy. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla for 30–45 seconds until slightly thickened. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet and fold with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Let the dough rest 10 minutes; if very soft, chill for 15–20 minutes for easier scooping.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 24 mounds of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each), spacing 2 inches apart. Lightly press the tops to flatten slightly.
• Bake one sheet at a time for 12–14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the edges look set but centers are soft and slightly puffed. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with the second sheet.
• Assemble the sandwiches: Flip 12 cookies flat-side up. Place one chilled peanut butter disk on each, then top with a second cookie and press gently so the filling spreads to the edges in an even layer.
• Finish with ganache: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of ganache onto the top of each sandwich and swirl it toward the edges, leaving a small rim uncovered for that classic buckeye peek. Refrigerate 10 minutes to set before serving.