Heavenly Sweet PB&J Cookies Recipe for Instant Joy

Nostalgic memories flood back with every bite of these delightful peanut butter and jelly cookies that blend childhood comfort with grown-up sophistication.

The classic flavor combination of peanut butter and jelly dances perfectly in this irresistible cookie recipe.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with sweet and tangy notes that make these treats impossible to resist.

Bakers and dessert enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients come together to create something magical.

Each cookie delivers a warm, satisfying experience that connects us to cherished moments.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary delights that spark joy and conversation.

Grab a glass of cold milk and savor these cookies that promise to become an instant favorite.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Nutty Flavors

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, well-blended cookie dough that creates a consistent texture and better mixing.
• Choose high-quality, seedless jellies or preserves for a cleaner look and smoother filling in the cookie center.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 1 month, allowing for quick and convenient baking whenever craving strikes.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.

Serve These Cookies Fresh from the Oven

• Nostalgic Milk Pairing: Serve these classic cookies with a tall, cold glass of whole milk for a traditional childhood-inspired treat that brings back warm memories of after-school snacks.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Create a fun cookie platter by arranging these PB&J cookies alongside other classic favorites like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
• Party Presentation Trick: Stack these cookies in a clear jar with colorful ribbon for a charming homemade gift or party favor that showcases the beautiful jelly centers and rustic crisscross pattern.
• Tea Time Companion: Pair these soft, sweet cookies with herbal tea or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack that satisfies both sweet and comfort food cravings.

Store Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Right

• Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack for optimal texture. This helps maintain their soft, chewy consistency and prevents crumbling when handled.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This allows flavors to develop and makes last-minute baking a breeze. Simply scoop, shape, and bake when ready to enjoy.

FAQs

• Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, chunky peanut butter works great and adds extra texture to the cookies. Just make sure it’s well-mixed before adding to the dough.

• How do I prevent the jelly from leaking out during baking?

Don’t overfill the jelly indentation. Use only about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly and make sure the indentation is deep enough to hold the jelly without spilling over the cookie edges.

• Can I substitute the egg in this recipe?

For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. This will help bind the ingredients together and maintain the cookie’s texture.

• What's the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 203 kcal

Servings: 13

PB&J Cookie Ingredient Breakdown

• Peanut Butter: Provides rich, nutty base that gives cookies deep flavor and creamy texture; choose natural, smooth variety for best results.
• Butter: Softens dough and adds richness; ensure room temperature for smooth blending.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and complex caramel-like depth to cookie flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure; use fresh, room temperature egg.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for cookie; sift to remove lumps for smooth texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Jelly: Adds vibrant fruity center; choose high-quality preserve for best taste; grape, strawberry, or raspberry work wonderfully.

Tools to Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, peanut butter, and sugars smoothly and quickly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Baking Sheet: Critical for baking and holding cookies during the process.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: Perfect for portioning cookie dough uniformly.
• Fork: Used to create classic crisscross pattern on cookie tops.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients evenly.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool and maintain crisp texture.
• Thumb: Useful for making indentations in cookie centers for jelly.

How to Make PB&J Cookies the Fun Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper or a quick spray of grease.

• Whip Together the Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend peanut butter, softened butter, and sugars until super smooth and creamy.

• Bring in the Moisture

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks perfectly combined.

• Create the Dough

Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together like a cozy blanket.

• Shape the Treats

Scoop out bite-sized balls of dough, placing them on the baking sheet. Press down with a fork to create classic crisscross marks and make a little well in the center of each cookie.

• Drop in the Sweet Splash

Dollop a small amount of your favorite jelly right into the center of each cookie.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Cool and Devour

Let the cookies rest for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Sweet Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Irresistible peanut butter and jelly cookies blend childhood nostalgia with classic American dessert flavors. Sweet raspberry jam swirls create delightful contrast against rich, nutty cookie bases. Bakers discover pure comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113.4 g)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup jam or jelly (strawberry, grape, or your favorite flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
2. Creaming: Blend peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Wet Ingredients Integration: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture becomes uniform.
4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Gently fold sifted flour, baking soda, and salt into the creamy base, creating a cohesive dough.
5. Cookie Shaping: Roll dough into uniform balls, place on prepared baking sheet, and create signature crisscross patterns with a fork. Craft a central indentation using thumb.
6. Jelly Filling: Carefully place a dollop of jelly (grape, strawberry, or raspberry) into each cookie’s well.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cookies rest briefly on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Cookies will continue to firm up during cooling.

Notes

Optimize Peanut Butter Consistency: Use room temperature, creamy peanut butter for smoother dough and consistent cookie texture. Avoid natural separating varieties that might make dough too oily.

Prevent Cookie Spreading: Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to minimize cookie spread and maintain precise shape during baking process.

Master Jelly Technique: Use thick, less runny jellies to prevent excessive leakage during baking. Apply small, controlled amounts in cookie centers to maintain perfect appearance.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives and use plant-based butter for vegan-friendly version. Consider alternative sweeteners like monk fruit for lower-sugar options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 19 mg