There’s something irresistibly comforting about the sweet aroma of peanut butter baking in the oven, especially when paired with a burst of fruity jam. I found myself craving a treat that would remind me of childhood memories spent enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on lazy afternoons. That’s when I decided to create these delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.
With just a handful of ingredients and a simple method that requires no chilling time, you’ll have these soft, chewy cookies ready to indulge in before you know it. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—whether you prefer creamy or crunchy peanut butter, and whichever jam suits your fancy, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. They make for an easy dessert or a sweet pick-me-up any time of day. So, let’s embark on this delicious journey and rekindle those nostalgic flavors while whipping up a batch of these delightful cookies!
Why are Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies irresistible?
Nostalgic flavors come alive in these cookies, capturing the heart of every classic pb&j lover. Quick preparation means you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in no time! Customizable options with various jams keep things exciting, from strawberry to blackberry. Crowd-pleasing treats perfect for any occasion, they delight both kids and adults alike. Plus, you can easily adapt them for dietary needs, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy with a glass of milk for a classic pairing, or even try them as ice cream sandwich cookies!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar – Provides sweetness and texture; use brown sugar for a deeper flavor experience.
- Peanut Butter – Gives flavor and structure; can swap for almond butter to add a unique twist.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together; substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; while optional, it is highly recommended!
- Flour – Supplies structure; a gluten-free blend works well if necessary.
- Baking Soda – Crucial for helping cookies rise; don’t omit this ingredient for the best results.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for taste completeness.
For the Jam Filling
- Jam – Adds sweetness and a fruity kick; choose your favorite variety, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry, for your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.
For Optional Toppings
- Chopped Nuts – Provides a crunchy finish; sprinkle atop melted peanut butter for added texture.
- Melted Chocolate – For a richer experience, drizzle over cookies before serving.
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are not just a sweet treat; they evoke warm memories and are perfect for any home!
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.
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Cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, making your cookies light and delicious.
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Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined, creating a rich and nutty base for your cookies. The creamy texture is key to achieving that classic flavor!
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Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate everything thoroughly. This will help bind the ingredients, resulting in a tender cookie.
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Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this may lead to tougher cookies.
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Shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading. Use a floured fork to press down and create a crosshatch pattern on top.
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Top each cookie with about a teaspoon of your favorite jam, placing it in the center. This sweet burst is what makes these cookies extra special!
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Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent the jam from burning.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows them to firm up while retaining their chewiness.
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Drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving, adding a delightful finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
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Mix Just Enough: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour; it can lead to dense cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you desire.
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Proper Spacing: Make sure to space your cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; this allows them to spread properly during baking.
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Jam Choice: Choose thicker jams to prevent too much liquid from leaking while baking, which helps maintain the perfect cookie texture in your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.
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Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking; cookies are done when the edges are light brown, and the centers look slightly underdone.
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Cool Before Storing: Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container—this keeps them from becoming soggy.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap peanut butter for almond butter or use a variety of jams; creativity will make every batch of Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of shaping the dough into balls, then wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, place them directly on a lined baking sheet and top with jam before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature; they’ll remain just as delicious. For the best results, let them cool completely before storage to maintain their soft texture. Enjoy delightful homemade cookies with minimal effort any day of the week!
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie texture, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating: If desired, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey jam and warm peanut butter flavors in your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.
Variations & Substitutions for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Explore the delightful possibilities to customize your cookies and make them uniquely yours!
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Nutty Twist: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to bring a new flavor profile to the classic treat. Each choice adds a lovely creamy texture.
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Jam Options: Instead of your usual strawberry jam, try grape or apricot for an unexpected fruity zing. Each variety brings its own personality to the cookie experience.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies to elevate the indulgence. The sweet and rich flavors create a divine pairing with the peanut butter.
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Crunchy Texture: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in every bite. This twist creates a fun contrast with the sweetness of the jam.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. It’s a cozy twist that adds a holiday feel, perfect for chilly days.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Vegan Delight: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan version of these cookies. The result will still be just as soft and chewy!
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Fruity Explosion: Mix in dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for chewy sweetness throughout the cookie. It’s a fantastic way to enhance flavor and texture, giving new life to every bite.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies?
These cookies are perfect for creating a delightful, nostalgic meal experience that is bound to warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings.
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Cold Glass of Milk: This classic pairing enhances the creamy, nutty flavors, making every bite even more satisfying. The refreshing coldness complements the warm cookies beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Transform your cookies into indulgent ice cream sandwiches for an unforgettable dessert. The creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the chewy, jam-filled cookies.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh medley of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies. Think strawberries, blueberries, and orange slices for a burst of color and flavor.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For a nostalgic vibe, serve these cookies with a rich chocolate milkshake. The combination of flavors will take you back to childhood treats.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Create a fun snack by pairing with a handful of nutty trail mix. The crunch perfectly complements the soft cookie texture.
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Coffee or Tea: Pair these indulgent cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack time ritual. The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
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Choco-Peanut Butter Dip: Serve with a rich dip made of melted chocolate and peanut butter for a more decadent experience. Dip each cookie for an explosion of flavors.
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Cheese Platter: Add a savory touch by offering a small cheese platter alongside. Soft cheeses can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness, lending a gourmet twist.
These pairings complement the comforting charm of Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies while elevating your sweet treat experience. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of peanut butter works best?
Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter can be used in this recipe, depending on your texture preference. Creamy peanut butter will yield a smoother, more uniform cookie, while crunchy peanut butter adds delightful little bits of peanuts for extra crunch. I often use creamy for the classic taste, but I love the added texture of crunchy!
How can I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Remember, letting them sit out at room temperature for a bit before enjoying helps bring back that soft, chewy goodness!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze wonderfully. First, allow your baked cookies to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What can I use as a substitute for the egg?
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative or simply have an egg allergy, you can substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens and then use it just like you would the egg in the recipe. Another alternative is using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for binding.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They’ll be done when the edges are set and lightly golden brown, while the center might look just slightly underdone, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being pulled from the oven. This ensures that perfect chewy texture your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are known for!
Can pets eat peanut butter cookies?
While peanut butter is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, many jams contain sugar and other ingredients that are not ideal for pets. It’s best to keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies as a human treat. If you’d like to include your furry friend, consider making a dog-safe version using items like oat flour and unsweetened peanut butter!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: A Nostalgic Treat Redefined
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Top each cookie with about a teaspoon of your favorite jam.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.