Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Who doesn’t love the classic combo of peanut butter and jelly? Well, we’re taking this childhood favorite to a whole new level with these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies! Picture this: a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie, filled with a sweet and tangy swirl of your favorite jam. It’s like a grown-up version of the PB&J sandwich, but better—because it’s a cookie. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies that disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

This isn’t just your average cookie recipe. These little treats pack a punch of nostalgia and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:

Nostalgic Flavor

These cookies are like taking a bite out of your childhood. Peanut butter and jelly bring back those good old days, and with the soft texture of the cookies, it’s the best of both worlds.

Simple Ingredients

All you need are a few pantry staples to make these cookies. They come together quickly and easily, making them the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Customizable

Love grape jelly? Or maybe strawberry is more your style? You can easily swap out the jam to make these cookies just the way you like them. It’s a simple twist on a classic that you can make your own!

Crowd-Pleasing

These cookies are a hit with everyone—kids, adults, and even the pickiest eaters. There’s something about the peanut butter and jelly combo that always brings a smile. They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or just to have around the house for whenever a sweet craving hits.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies:

Peanut Butter

This is the star of the show! Peanut butter gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture. Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the best results.

Butter

A little bit of butter adds richness to the cookies and helps them bake up soft and chewy. You can’t go wrong with a good butter base.

Sugar

Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used here to give the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

Eggs

Eggs help to bind the dough and give the cookies structure. They also add moisture, making the cookies even softer.

Flour

All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough, giving the cookies the right texture and helping them hold together.

Baking Soda

Just a pinch of baking soda helps the cookies spread a little and gives them that perfect soft, chewy texture.

Salt

A bit of salt is key to balancing the sweetness and bringing out the richness of the peanut butter.

Jam or Jelly

The star of the show! Your favorite jam or jelly (grape, strawberry, raspberry, you name it) is swirled into each cookie for that perfect PB&J flavor in every bite.

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Here’s how you can make these delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and gives them that nice, golden color.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step helps the cookies get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—until just combined.

3. Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined or greased baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball and create the signature crisscross pattern.

4. Add the Jelly

Here’s where the magic happens. Use your finger or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each cookie. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam or jelly into each indent. Don’t overfill, as it will spread during baking!

5. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—they should be soft and chewy when they come out.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, grab one (or two) and enjoy the perfect combination of peanut butter, jelly, and cookie goodness!

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

These cookies are perfect just as they are, but you can pair them with a few things to make your treat even more special:

Milk

There’s no better way to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly cookie than with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s the ultimate pairing!

Ice Cream

If you want to take things up a notch, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie with cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.

Fruit

For a little balance, serve the cookies with some fresh fruit—like sliced strawberries or apples—to complement the sweetness of the jelly.

Additional Tips

• Use Natural Peanut Butter: If you like a slightly healthier version, you can use natural peanut butter. Just make sure it’s well stirred before using!
• Mix Up the Jam: You can easily customize these cookies by using your favorite jam or jelly—grape, strawberry, raspberry, or even something exotic like mango or apricot!
• Don’t Overfill the Jam: A little bit of jam goes a long way in these cookies. Too much can make them too runny and affect the texture.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180 kcal
Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 20mg
  Sodium: 120mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin D: 0mcg
  Calcium: 18mg
  Iron: 1mg
  Potassium: 100mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture to your cookies, which is a fun twist.

Q2: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A2: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit, but be aware that it might change the texture slightly.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw and bake as usual.

Q4: What kind of jam or jelly should I use?
A4: You can use any kind of jam or jelly you like! Grape, strawberry, raspberry, or even a unique flavor like apricot works perfectly.

Q5: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A5: Yes! If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer almond butter, it works great as a substitute.

Q6: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A6: Yes! You can use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.

Q7: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A7: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A8: Of course! If you love chocolate, feel free to fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

Q9: How do I store the cookies?
A9: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re making these for a crowd or want plenty of leftovers, feel free to double the recipe.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a sweet and nostalgic treat that everyone will love. They’re easy to make, customizable, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Go ahead, give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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