Okay, let’s talk about a cookie that feels like a warm hug from your childhood but with a twist. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are everything you didn’t know you needed: soft, nutty, sweet, and perfectly nostalgic. It’s like your favorite lunchbox sandwich grew up and decided to crash your cookie jar in the best way possible.

These cookies combine creamy peanut butter with a dollop of fruity jelly in the center, giving you that classic PB\&J flavor in every chewy bite. They’re soft in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, packing lunchbox treats, or just in the mood for a cozy kitchen moment, this recipe is a winner. Trust me, you’re going to fall hard for these sweet little throwbacks.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for bake sales, after-school snacks, or midnight cravings. You can swap the jelly flavor depending on what you love — strawberry, grape, raspberry, you name it.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you probably already have. Nothing fancy here, just simple goodness.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or equipment. Just mix, scoop, and bake.

Customizable: You can go crunchy or creamy with the peanut butter, and even use almond or sunflower butter for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

These cookies are like a little bite of nostalgia, made with simple, heartwarming ingredients that never disappoint. Let’s take a look:

Peanut Butter: The creamy (or crunchy!) base of the cookie that adds richness and nutty goodness.

Butter: Gives the cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A mix of sugars adds depth, sweetness, and that chewy bite.

Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives structure to the dough.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out the warm, comforting flavor in every cookie.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives the cookie its perfect shape and texture.

Baking Soda: A little lift so they don’t come out too dense.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter.

Your Favorite Jelly or Jam: The sweet, gooey center! Go wild with flavors — raspberry, strawberry, grape, or even fig.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and ensure even baking.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: If you’re not using parchment, lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Dish: Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Roll into small balls and place them on the baking sheet. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each cookie to create a little well.

Cook to Perfection: Fill each well with a small spoonful of jelly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The jelly will set as they cool, and the cookies will stay wonderfully tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of tea. They’re impossible to resist — good luck eating just one!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 20 cookies
Calories per serving: 180
(Note: Approximate values, may vary depending on ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream
• Add them to lunchboxes for a sweet surprise
• Package them up in a cute tin for gifting during holidays
• Crumble over yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking
• Use natural peanut butter for a deeper nutty flavor, but make sure it’s well stirred
• Don’t overfill with jelly — a little goes a long way
• Want crispier edges? Bake a minute or two longer
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a cozy twist
• Try using mini muffin tins for perfectly shaped PB\&J cookie bites
• Drizzle with melted chocolate for a next-level upgrade
• Double the batch — they freeze beautifully
• Add chopped peanuts to the dough for extra crunch
• Swap in almond or sunflower butter for a nut-free version

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! It adds a fun texture to the cookies and extra peanuty goodness.

2. Can I use jelly, jam, or preserves?
Yes, any of those will work! Jam and preserves may have more texture, while jelly gives a smooth finish.

3. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily, but chilling can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

6. Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely. Freeze them baked or as dough balls (without jelly), then fill and bake fresh.

7. What kind of jelly works best?
Strawberry and raspberry are classic, but grape and apricot are delicious too.

8. How do I keep the jelly from melting out?
Press the indent deep enough and avoid overfilling to help it stay put.

9. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, just use dairy-free butter and check your jelly brand.

10. Can I make a bigger batch?
Totally this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure your baking sheet has room!

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are sweet, nostalgic, and straight-up fun. They take the flavors you already know and love and wrap them into the coziest little treat. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a weekend indulgence, or just because life’s better with cookies these are about to become a new favorite. So grab a spoon, scoop that jelly, and get baking. You’re going to love every soft, chewy, joy-filled bite.

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