Name: Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookie Delights Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 & ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (113 grams) butter, 1 stick; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup seedless jam; Extra jam, for topping baked cookies; Melted peanut butter, for garnish; Chopped peanuts, for garnish

Peanut butter and jelly cookies spark nostalgic memories of childhood comfort foods with a delightful twist.

These sweet treats blend familiar flavors into an irresistible dessert experience that redefines classic sandwich memories.

Soft, chewy textures complement the rich, creamy peanut butter base with vibrant fruity jelly swirls.

The magical combination creates a perfect balance between sweet and nutty sensations that dance across your palate.

Homemade cookies offer a personal touch that store-bought versions simply cannot match.

Each bite delivers a whimsical journey through beloved flavor profiles that connect generations of dessert lovers.

Prepare to indulge in a playful culinary creation that elevates a simple sandwich into an extraordinary cookie experience.

Capture Classic Comfort: These cookies blend the nostalgic flavors of childhood peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into a delightful, warm-from-the-oven treat that instantly brings back sweet memories.
Master Simple Baking Magic: With straightforward ingredients and easy mixing techniques, even novice bakers can create professional-looking cookies that impress family and friends without complicated steps.
Enjoy Textural Perfection: Crisp edges, soft centers, and a dollop of jam create a delightful contrast in every bite, delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, fruity center that dances on your taste buds.
Customize Your Dessert Adventure: Swap different jam flavors or use crunchy versus creamy peanut butter to make each batch unique, transforming a classic recipe into your personal culinary signature.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Fat and Sweetener Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy cookie with depth of flavor.
Peanut Butter: Brings signature nutty taste and creamy consistency to the cookies.

Moisture and Binding Ingredients:

Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Jam: Provides a sweet, fruity center and creates a classic PB&J flavor combination.
Additional Jam (for drizzling): Offers extra fruity accent and visual appeal.
Melted Peanut Butter (for drizzling): Adds extra peanut flavor and decorative touch.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add:

Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the following ingredients one at a time:

Peanut butter
Egg
Vanilla extract

Ensure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.

Step 7: Create Signature Pattern

Dip a fork in sugar to prevent sticking. Gently press down on each dough ball, creating a classic criss-cross pattern.

Step 8: Add Jam Filling

Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Final Touches

Optional: Drizzle with melted peanut butter and add an extra dollop of jam for extra flair before serving.

Prevent Sticky Dough: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make handling easier and prevent excessive spreading.
Master the Jam Technique: Use a small spoon or piping bag to add a precise dollop of jam, ensuring it stays centered during baking.
Achieve Perfect Texture: Don't overmix the dough; mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
Create Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent size and even baking for all cookies.
Maximize Flavor Depth: Use high-quality jam and natural peanut butter for a more robust, authentic taste profile that elevates the entire cookie experience.

Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating: Bring frozen cookies to room temperature naturally, or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

Brew Complementary Coffee Companions: Pair these sweet cookies with a robust medium-roast coffee that balances the rich peanut butter and fruity jam flavors, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the cookie's nutty undertones.
Select Smooth Milk Alternatives: Serve alongside cold vanilla almond milk or creamy oat milk to complement the cookie's texture, providing a refreshing contrast that highlights the dessert's sweet and tangy profile.
Create Nostalgic Ice Cream Match: Top the warm cookies with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream or strawberry gelato, creating a delightful temperature and flavor combination that amplifies the cookie's comfort food essence.
Design Dessert Wine Pairing: Opt for a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a light port, which will echo the jam's fruity notes and provide a sophisticated adult twist to these childhood-inspired treats.

Chocolate Swirl Cookies: Replace jam with melted dark chocolate in the center, creating a rich and decadent version of the classic cookie.
Almond Butter Berry Splash: Swap peanut butter with almond butter and use mixed berry jam for a nutty, fruity alternative that adds complexity to the recipe.
Gluten-Free Nutty Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these cookies without compromising taste or texture.
Salted Caramel Fusion: Add a pinch of sea salt to the dough and top with caramel sauce instead of jam, transforming the cookie into a sophisticated sweet-salty treat.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Quick & Tasty Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookie Recipe Everyone Loves