Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe is just the thing! These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a sweet surprise of strawberry jam right in the center. They remind me of packing lunchboxes for school, where peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were always a favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Making these cookies is not only simple but also fun. Your kids will love helping out, and they’re sure to enjoy the delicious results. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these delectable cookies ready to share (or keep all to yourself!) in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and jelly, so these cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike!
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe by using different types of nut butter or jams based on what you have at home.
• Make-ahead convenience: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment—if they last that long!
• Delicious flavors: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly creates a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create these amazing peanut butter and jelly cookies! You likely have most of these items in your pantry already, making this recipe even easier.

For the Cookies:

• 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (156 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract

For Coating:

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

For the Filling:

• ½ – 1 cup (144 – 289 g) strawberry jelly or seedless jam

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, melted (optional)
• ¼ cup peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Variations

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:

• Change the nut butter: Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Mix up the jam: Use your favorite fruit jam—like raspberry or grape—for a different taste experience.
• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. It’s crucial for achieving perfectly fluffy cookies!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter with both sugars until smooth—about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Then mix in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Adding these ingredients properly helps create a lovely texture in your cookies. Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract on low speed until everything is smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies here! Once mixed, cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes while preheating your oven. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking!

Step 4: Scoop and Fill

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), form balls from your chilled cookie dough. Roll each ball into granulated sugar if you like that crunchy exterior! Place them on lined baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Make an indentation in each ball with your thumb or spoon before filling it with jelly—it adds that beautiful touch!

Step 5: Bake Them Up!

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 14-15 minutes or until edges are set. After pulling them from the oven, give each cookie a quick “cookie scoot” using a round object to help shape them back into perfect rounds. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

While still warm, add an extra dollop of jelly into each cookie center if desired! To elevate these treats even further, drizzle melted peanut butter over them and sprinkle with chopped peanuts as they cool. Allow them to come to room temperature before diving in!

Enjoy every bite of these comforting Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

Making the perfect peanut butter and jelly cookies is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature allows them to blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough with the perfect texture.

• Chill the dough: Though optional, chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. This keeps your cookies thick, chewy, and beautifully shaped.

• Adjust the jelly quantity: Feel free to modify how much jelly you add in the center based on personal preference! If you love a gooey center, add a bit more; if you prefer a slight hint of flavor, stick to a teaspoon.

• Experiment with nut butters: While this recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can switch things up by using almond or cashew butter for a unique twist on flavor without losing that classic cookie texture.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to three months for tasty treats anytime!

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive picnic. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A lovely drizzle of melted chocolate adds an elegant touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Sprinkling of sea salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
• Whipped coconut cream: For an airy finish, serve these cookies alongside whipped coconut cream for dipping or spreading.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: Pair your cookies with a colorful array of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices for a refreshing contrast.
• Milk alternatives: Serve alongside cold almond milk or oat milk to complement the rich flavors of peanut butter while catering to various dietary preferences.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea makes an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the cozy vibe these cookies bring.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh berries creates a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips at hand, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade peanut butter and jelly cookies! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an easy treat to whip up in advance for gatherings or just to have on hand for a sweet craving.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just pull them out when you’re ready for a treat!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them individually for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about this delightful recipe, here are some common questions!

Can I use different types of jelly in this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While strawberry jelly is classic, feel free to experiment with raspberry, grape, or even homemade fruit preserves for a unique twist.

How do I make these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like almond flour or oat flour.

What can I substitute for peanut butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for alternatives due to allergies or preferences, try using sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both work well and provide delicious flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies! Their soft and chewy texture combined with the sweet fruity center makes them truly special. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!