Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies bring the classic sandwich flavors into a delicious and nostalgic dessert. These soft, chewy cookies feature a rich peanut butter base with a sweet dollop of jelly nestled in the center, creating the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Ideal for after-school snacks, casual gatherings, or as a delightful treat for yourself, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with all ages!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1/3 cup (80 g) jelly or jam of your choice (e.g., strawberry, grape, or raspberry)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press a shallow indentation into the center of each dough ball.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly or jam.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Jelly options: Use your favorite flavor of jelly or jam to customize the cookies.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly, add jelly, and bake as directed.
Why These Cookies Are Special
The combination of peanut butter and jelly in cookie form creates a comforting treat that’s reminiscent of childhood. The soft and chewy peanut butter cookie provides the perfect base for the fruity sweetness of the jelly, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic flavor combination that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. Easy to make and full of nostalgic charm, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of this timeless pairing!