Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

When I think of comfort food, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies springs to mind. As a child, there was nothing more satisfying than coming home from school to a warm cookie straight from the oven, the sweet aroma of peanut butter wafting through the air. These cookies remind me of simpler times, when joy came from a delicious treat and the company of friends. Picture this: a cozy afternoon spent baking, laughter filling the kitchen as we scoop the dough onto the trays. The best part? Watching the cookies puff up and then settle perfectly in the oven, filling the house with an enticing scent. These treats are not just for kids; they’re for anyone who needs a bit of nostalgia in their life. Whether you want to indulge yourself or share with friends, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are the perfect solution. They bring a sense of joy and warmth, making any day feel a little more special. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create some sweet memories together!

What to Buy for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Creating delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies starts with selecting the best ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Key players include creamy peanut butter, which adds richness, and granulated sugar for sweetness. The combination of unsalted butter and brown sugar gives these cookies a chewy texture that feels oh-so-good. All together, these ingredients come together to create a nostalgic treat that’s perfect any time of year.

• Cream Peanut Butter: 1 cup – This gives the cookies their signature flavor and creamy texture. Feel free to drizzle extra on top for an indulgent touch.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Adds sweetness that balances the salty notes of the peanut butter.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup – Packed to enhance moisture and give a hint of caramel flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup – Softened to create a rich and creamy dough.
• Large Eggs: 2 – Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise, creating a soft texture.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Works alongside baking soda for a fluffy consistency.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups – The main structure of the cookies, providing the necessary firmness.
• Strawberry Jam: 1 cup – The sweet surprise in the center that adds fruitiness to each bite.

Directions for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies is not only a delightful experience, but it also fills your kitchen with an amazing scent. Let’s get those cookies in the oven!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper because this will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a stand mixer or a mixing bowl, combine the cream peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture for a lighter texture.
3. Add in the large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. You want to see the eggs blended well so that the mixture turns silky and homogenous.
4. Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Stir until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
5. Using a medium cookie scoop, which is roughly 3 tablespoons, scoop balls of dough and place them on the lined baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball to allow enough room for spreading.
6. With the back of a tablespoon, press an indent in the center of each dough ball. This is where your delicious filling will go, so make it deep enough to hold the jam.
7. Fill each indent with a scant teaspoon of strawberry jam. The jam will create a fruity burst when you bite into the cookie, making it a delightful surprise!
8. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are just starting to brown. Keep an eye on them; you want the centers to remain slightly soft.
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan completely before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling step allows the cookies to firm up and makes them easier to handle.
10. If you’d like an extra treat, melt some peanut butter in the microwave and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. It adds a lovely touch and makes them even more irresistible!

Making Adjustments

While Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are delicious as is, there’s always room for adjustments and creativity. Here are some helpful tips!

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also make a great dessert after a savory meal.
• Variations: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
• Decoration: Use sprinkles on top if you want a festive touch for holidays or celebrations.

Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Serving your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

• Milk: A classic companion, serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a comforting duo.
• Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of chamomile or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Ice Cream: Consider turning these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
• Fruit Salads: A light fruit salad can complement the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Picnics: These cookies are perfect for outdoor gatherings or picnics, where their nostalgic flavor can be enjoyed with family and friends.
• Parties: Bring these cookies to parties or potlucks; they’re often a hit with guests and children alike!

FAQ

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are truly a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them irresistible and perfect for sharing. I encourage you to try your hand at making these cookies; you’ll find they’re not only easy but incredibly satisfying to bake. Plus, they’re sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones with every delicious bite!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly sweet! With creamy peanut butter and a fruity jam center, they make for an easy weeknight treat. You’ll want to make these again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 18 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Cream Peanut Butter additional for drizzle if desired
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
• 2 large Eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Strawberry Jam

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying pan
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together the cream peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
3. Add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour and mix until just incorporated.
4. Use a medium cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to scoop balls of dough. Place them on one of the baking sheets leaving 2 inches between them and use the back of a tablespoon to press an indent in the center of them. Fill the indent with a scant teaspoon of strawberry jam.
5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are just barely starting to brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan completely before transferring to a cooling rack.
6. Once the cookies have cooled, if you would like to, you may melt some peanut butter in the microwave and drizzle it across the cookies.

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Tip 3: These cookies go wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. They also make a great dessert after a savory meal.
• Tip 4: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty combination.
• Tip 5: Use sprinkles on top if you want a festive touch for holidays or celebrations.

Previous PostSummer Stuffed Shells

Next Post Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables

Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.