Homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: Sweet Childhood Delight

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have long been a beloved childhood comfort food that inspires creative culinary adventures.

These delightful cookies capture the nostalgic essence of a classic PB&J in a sweet, handheld treat.

Soft, chewy cookie textures blend perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the sweet, fruity notes of jam or jelly.

Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts can transform the iconic sandwich into a delectable cookie experience that sparks joy and memories.

The combination of smooth peanut butter and vibrant fruit preserves creates a harmonious balance of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults.

Baking these cookies becomes a delightful journey of reimagining a timeless favorite into a delicious, shareable dessert.

Why Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies Are Fun

• Unleash Quick Comfort: Perfect for busy home bakers who want delightful treats without complicated steps.
• Nostalgic Flavor Bomb: Transforms childhood sandwich classic into an irresistible cookie that triggers happy memories of school lunches and family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple enough for children to help, creating fun family bonding moments while learning basic baking skills.
• Speedy Sweet Satisfaction: From start to finish, these cookies take less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute potluck contributions.

Items You Need For Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture. Unsalted recommended for better flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with caramelization and soft texture.
• Peanut Butter: Gives deep nutty flavor and signature taste. Creamy style works best.

• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure. Large eggs preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity. Pure vanilla recommended over imitation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates cookie structure and provides base. Sifted flour ensures smoother dough.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly. Fresh and unexpired crucial.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Jam: Adds fruity center and decorative touch. Seedless strawberry or raspberry work well.
• Peanut Butter (optional drizzle): Provides extra nutty garnish. Creamy style melts smoothly.
• Chopped Peanuts (optional): Adds crunch and visual interest. Roasted peanuts recommended.

How To Bake Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for a smooth cookie-making experience.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the butter until silky smooth. Pour in both granulated and brown sugar, then beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Incorporate peanut butter into the creamy mixture. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla, then mix until everything comes together beautifully.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into cute little balls about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with enough breathing room between each cookie.

Step 6: Design Cookie Tops

Dip a fork in sugar and press a classic crisscross pattern onto each cookie, gently flattening them to about ½ inch thick.

Step 7: Add Jelly Swirl

Smooth out the jam and carefully dollop a teaspoon right in the center of each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies rest for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Optional but delightful: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the cookies and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips For Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies Success

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Prevent Overmixing Dough: Stir flour mixture just until combined to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Control Jam Placement: Use a small spoon or piping bag for precise, neat jam centers that don't overflow during baking.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select natural peanut butter with minimal additives and high-quality jam for richer, more authentic flavor profiles.
• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

How To Store Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies Well

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, which preserves their texture for 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and refresh their just-baked taste.
• Room Temperature: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delicious peanut butter and jelly flavor.

Tasty Matches For Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Milk: Choose whole milk or a cold, smooth dairy drink that complements the rich peanut butter and sweet jam flavors, creating a classic nostalgic combination.
• Create Chocolate Harmony: Select dark chocolate hot cocoa or a chocolate milkshake to enhance the cookie's nutty sweetness and provide a luxurious depth of flavor.
• Match with Cold Brew: Serve alongside a chilled cold brew coffee with a hint of vanilla or caramel notes, balancing the cookie's sweetness with a sophisticated caffeine kick.
• Explore Berry Beverage: Try a raspberry or strawberry smoothie that echoes the jammy center, offering a refreshing fruity counterpoint to the dense, buttery cookie.

Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies With A Twist

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains soft cookie texture.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free fruit spread to reduce overall sugar content while keeping classic flavor profile.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, replace egg with ground flaxseed mixture, and use dairy-free peanut butter to create plant-based friendly cookies that everyone can enjoy.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped almonds or chia seeds into dough for extra nutritional value and provide a crunchy texture that complements the smooth peanut butter base.

Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies FAQs

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Keep the dough chilled before shaping and place the cookie balls on cool baking sheets. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Can I use different types of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! While grape or strawberry jam are classic choices, you can experiment with raspberry, apricot, or any other fruit jam you enjoy. Just ensure it’s smooth and spreadable.

• What kind of peanut butter works best for these cookies?

Use creamy, unsweetened peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter with no added sugar works great and provides a more authentic peanut taste.

• How can I make sure my cookies are perfectly soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets gourmet delight in these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, blending childhood memories with sophisticated baking. Crisp edges, jammy centers, and rich nutty flavor invite you to savor a classic comfort treat reimagined with culinary finesse.

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Ingredients

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 large egg

Sugars:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Garnish:

• ½ cup seedless jam
• Extra jam, for topping (optional)
• Melted peanut butter, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the middle and warm to 350°F, covering two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream the butter until velvety and uniform in texture.
3. Incorporate both sugars into the butter, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Blend in the creamy peanut butter thoroughly, ensuring complete integration.
5. Gently fold in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are harmoniously combined.
6. Sift the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt – into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent dense cookies.
7. Craft uniform dough spheres approximately 1½ inches in diameter, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
8. Using a fork coated in granulated sugar, gently imprint a distinctive crisscross pattern, slightly compressing each cookie.
9. Carefully dollop a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie, creating a vibrant focal point.
10. Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges transform to a delicate golden hue.
11. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes to stabilize their structure.
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, enabling complete cooling and texture refinement.
13. Optional: Embellish with a delicate drizzle of melted peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prevent dough from sticking by chilling it for 30 minutes before shaping, ensuring easier handling and more uniform cookies.
• Swap traditional jam with sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives for diabetic-friendly or reduced-sugar versions without compromising taste.
• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar to create a healthier cookie option with a more intense nutty flavor profile.
• Create gluten-free variations by substituting all-

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg