Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for classic flavors with a fresh twist, you are going to absolutely adore these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies. Imagine the nostalgic joy of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches transformed into warm, chewy, jam-topped cookies that burst with creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors. These cookies bring together the richness of creamy peanut butter with the bright, fruity sweetness of chilled strawberry jam, enveloped in perfectly tender dough. Whether for a quick afternoon treat or a fun bake with friends and family, Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are the perfect way to revisit a beloved flavor combo in cookie form that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients create the perfect balance of rich peanut butter goodness and sweet, fruity jelly, with a tender, chewy cookie base that’s just irresistible. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing the texture, flavor, and freshness to life.

• Unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 grams): Provides rich, creamy fat for a tender cookie crumb.
• Creamy natural peanut butter (1 cup / 270 grams): The star of the show giving a bold peanut flavor; make sure it’s well stirred to avoid oily pockets.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup / 200 grams): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150 grams): Gives that perfect balance of sweetness and crispness to the cookie edges.
• Bleached all-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups / 349 grams): Key for the right texture – soft but sturdy (measure carefully!).
• Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a delicate, puffy texture.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Supports even leavening and lightness.
• Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances peanut flavor.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture to keep the dough soft and workable.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens flavor and adds warmth.
• Strawberry jam or jelly (3/4 cup / 240 grams, chilled): The juicy surprise in each cookie, make sure it’s chilled to help it hold its shape during baking.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Having everything ready upfront makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Peanut Butter and Sugars

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second bursts until just liquid. Stir in your creamy peanut butter until totally smooth and combined. Whisk in both the light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is homogenous and slightly cool to the touch. This mixture forms the flavorful, rich base of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the bleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a separate medium bowl. This dry mix ensures your cookies have the perfect balance of lift and tenderness without becoming crumbly.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients and Combine All

Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to your peanut butter mixture and whisk vigorously until smooth and well blended. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a sturdy spatula, stirring just until everything is incorporated—you want to keep the dough soft and a bit sticky for chewy cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies and Add Jelly Centers

Using a large spring-loaded cookie scoop, portion about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll them gently into smooth balls between your palms. Then, with your thumb, create a small well in each ball and fill it generously with a heaping teaspoon of chilled strawberry jam. Partially seal each jam pocket with dough but leave some of the jelly peeking out—it makes for a beautiful, delicious surprise once baked! Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 3 inches apart to give them room to puff up.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 14 minutes or until they puff up nicely and develop a light golden brown edge. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary! These cookies are all about that perfect balance of tender with a slight crisp.

Step 7: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause helps them set just right without falling apart when you pick them up.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or finely chopped roasted peanuts on top of cooled Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies to add a delightful contrast in texture and a hint of extra nuttiness. Another option is a drizzle of melted chocolate to take these cookies over the top for a special treat.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a classic snack experience. For a fun brunch or dessert plate, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad that echoes the fruity tones of the jelly inside the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies into a charming gift by stacking them tied with a ribbon and accented with a small jar of homemade jam. Alternatively, serve on a rustic wooden board with a selection of jams for friends and family to customize their own cookie experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They tend to soften as they sit, making them even more tender and luscious with every bite.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these cookies later? After baking and completely cooling, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a warm cookie, simply microwave a frozen or refrigerated Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie for 10-15 seconds until soft and gooey. This quick reheat brings back that fresh-baked charm as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies a lovely texture contrast with little peanut bits throughout. Just be sure to stir it well to incorporate the oil back in fully.

Is it okay to substitute a different flavor of jam?

Definitely. While strawberry jam is classic, raspberry, grape, or even apricot preserves make fantastic alternatives and can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile of the cookies.

Why is bleached flour recommended for this recipe?

Bleached flour helps achieve the perfect soft and tender cookie texture without excess dryness or crumbliness. If you only have unbleached flour, consider using a little less to prevent the dough from becoming too stiff.

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! Cookie dough can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which actually strengthens the flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

How do I prevent the jam from running too much during baking?

Using chilled jam and gently folding it into the dough well will help prevent it from spilling during baking. Leaving some jam exposed but not fully covered gives the best appearance and flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are a fun and nostalgic twist on a beloved classic that bring the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty into one delightful bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a lunchbox treat, or just a cozy moment with yourself, these cookies deliver smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and watch how fast they disappear—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed peanut butter and jelly any other way!

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