Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe with anyone who enjoys the timeless flavors of a classic sandwich transformed into a delightful treat. These cookies capture the nostalgic combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly in a soft, chewy cookie that’s simply irresistible. I find that each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a tender crumb and a luscious dollop of jam that bursts through. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to, whether for a cozy afternoon snack or to impress friends at a gathering.

Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

Let me tell you, what really excites me about this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe is how the flavors marry so beautifully in every bite. The natural peanut butter brings a rich, nutty depth that pairs effortlessly with the fruity tartness of chilled strawberry jam nestled right in the center. I love how the jam peeks out from the cookie, adding a lovely pop of color and sweetness that keeps things exciting.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. Even if baking isn't your usual thing, you won't get overwhelmed here. The dough comes together quickly, and the shaping—though a bit fun and messy—is part of the joy. Plus, with a bake time of just about 14 minutes, it’s perfect for day when you want fresh cookies without waiting hours. I’ve found that it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for parties or casual get-togethers.

These cookies stand out in my recipe collection because they bring back childhood memories but with a grown-up twist of gourmet flair. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a school lunchbox surprise, or an addition to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. If you ask me, every kitchen deserves this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe!

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients—all work together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter gives richness, while a mix of brown and granulated sugars balances sweetness and moisture. The strawberry jam adds just the right amount of fruity zing and vibrant color.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows me to control the saltiness precisely for a balanced flavor.
• Creamy natural peanut butter: I prefer the natural kind because it’s less sweet and more flavorful; just make sure it’s very well stirred.
• Light brown sugar: This adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Used to give the cookies a nice structure and a slight crisp edge.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, making these cookies soft yet sturdy.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These help the cookies rise and keep them tender.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
• Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add richness.
• Milk: Just a tablespoon adds a touch of moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract: This elevates the flavor with its sweet, fragrant warmth.
• Strawberry jam or jelly: Chilled for easy handling, this adds that famous jelly goodness right in the center.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl using 20-second bursts, stirring in between until fully melted. Then, add the peanut butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, creamy base of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Whisk the light brown sugar and granulated sugar into the peanut butter mixture until everything is fully incorporated. Set this aside to cool down to just warm, which helps your eggs mix in without cooking.

Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour for consistent results.

Step 5: Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the warm peanut butter mixture. Whisk very well until smooth and combined—this step is key to achieving a silky dough.

Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a sturdy spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 7: Using a large spring-loaded cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion the dough into rounds. Roll each between your palms to smooth it out. Then, press your thumb into the center to create a well. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of chilled strawberry jam into the well, then partially seal it with dough—letting some jam peek out. Lightly roll it back into a ball. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; this is part of the fun!

Step 8: Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading without crowding.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for about 14 minutes. Look for the cookies to puff up and turn lightly golden around the edges—this means they’re perfectly baked.

Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma while they cool!

Servings and Timing

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe yields about 21 generous cookies, perfect for sharing or keeping a stash for yourself! Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, and baking takes about 14 minutes. Including cooling, you’re looking at a total time of around 40 minutes. There’s a helpful short resting period after baking that lets the cookies set beautifully before you dig in.

How to Serve This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

I love serving these cookies fresh and at room temperature so the jam remains nicely gooey but not runny. They’re fantastic alongside a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack, or paired with a cup of black coffee or tea if you want to balance the sweetness.

For a party, I sometimes arrange them on a bright, colorful platter garnished with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate their appearance. These cookies also make a charming treat when packed in little cello bags tied with ribbon—perfect as favors or lunchbox surprises.

When I want to make an occasion extra special, I pair these with a sparkling rosé for adults or a fun fruity mocktail for kids. Their sweet and salty profile works beautifully with bubbly drinks or even a creamy vanilla milkshake. Whether you’re enjoying them for a festive holiday cookie exchange or a casual weeknight dessert, these cookies never fail to bring smiles.

Variations

Over time, I have loved experimenting with different ideas to make this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe uniquely my own. For example, swapping strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot can bring fresh new flavors, while keeping that sweet jammy surprise intact.

If you need a gluten-free version, I recommend using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to achieve a similar texture. For a vegan twist, plant-based butter and a flax or chia egg substitute work wonderfully for binding.

I’ve also tried adding chopped roasted peanuts into the dough for extra crunch, or rolling the finished cookies in powdered sugar for a pretty snowy effect. You could even try baking them as thumbprint bars pressed into a square pan, then chilled and cut into pieces. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—which might be unlikely—they keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. The cookies stay fresh for up to two days, and I find they actually get softer and even more delicious if you wait a bit!

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well if you want to make a big batch ahead. I freeze them after baking and cooling completely, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Wrapped well, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, I recommend warming them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to soften the butter and reawaken the jam. Avoid microwaving as this can make the cookies tough or overly sticky. This method keeps the texture soft and the jam perfectly gooey.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add lovely texture bits in the cookies, making each bite more interesting. Just be sure the peanut butter is well stirred before mixing, no matter the type.

Is it possible to substitute other fruit jams for strawberry?

Absolutely. Raspberry, blackberry, or even apricot jam are wonderful alternatives that give a different fruity flavor while maintaining the classic peanut butter and jelly combo. Choose jams that are not too runny for easier handling.

Can I prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it?

Definitely! Refrigerating the dough for a few hours or overnight can actually improve the flavor and make it easier to handle when shaping. Just bring it back to room temperature slightly before scooping and shaping.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?

This can happen if the dough is too warm or if the baking powder/soda is old. Make sure to chill the dough if your kitchen is warm, and check that your leavening agents are fresh for consistent baking.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet cookie?

You can cut down the sugar somewhat, but keep in mind it will affect not just sweetness but texture and moisture. I suggest reducing granulated sugar slightly rather than brown sugar to maintain that chewy softness.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s a heartwarming treat that brings together two beloved flavors in a comforting cookie form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and a little sweet nostalgia to your day. Give it a try and savor every delightful bite!

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