Make irresistible Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies with this easy recipe. A fun twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for any occasion. Discover how to bake them today!
Peanut butter and jelly cookies combine two classic favorites in a way that’s both nostalgic and delicious. These cookies are a perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the rich taste of peanut butter and the fruity sweetness of jelly, all wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are simple to make and sure to please everyone.
Introduction
Why Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Are a Must-Try
Peanut butter and jelly is a well-known combination that has been loved by generations. Taking this iconic pairing and turning it into a cookie is nothing short of brilliant! The savory richness of peanut butter balanced with the fruity sweetness of jelly creates a unique cookie that’s irresistibly tasty. But what makes these cookies even better? They are quick to prepare, easy to bake, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The Classic Combination in Cookie Form
The best part about peanut butter and jelly cookies is that they combine all the textures and flavors we love about the sandwich version. The crunchy peanut butter flavor is complemented by the soft, gooey jelly center. With each bite, you get a delicious combination of salty, sweet, and savory — making these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion.
For a simpler take on peanut butter cookies, check out this recipe on How to Make 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Perfect PB&J Cookie
Making peanut butter and jelly cookies is an enjoyable process that yields a delicious result. Here’s how you can bake the perfect batch of these nostalgic treats:
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all your ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, based on preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup jelly or jam (flavor of your choice)
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking your cookies.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Make sure they are well mixed, with no lumps of sugar or peanut butter left.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking soda. Stir everything together until the dough is fully combined. The dough should be thick but manageable and not too sticky.
5. Shape the Dough into Balls
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
6. Press the Dough with a Fork
Gently press each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern. This helps flatten the cookies slightly and gives them a nice appearance.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The center should still be soft but set. Don’t overbake them, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
8. Add the Jelly
Once the cookies are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, carefully make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Add about 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam into the indentation. You can choose any flavor of jelly you like, such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry.
9. Let the Cookies Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.
10. Enjoy!
Once cooled, your delicious peanut butter and jelly cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as a snack, treat, or dessert!
By following these steps, you’ll create perfectly balanced peanut butter and jelly cookies that are both chewy and flavorful!
Use Soft Jif Peanut Butter Cookies for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Swap the sugar for honey or coconut sugar for a Healthier 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie alternative.For a gluten-free version, try this Easy Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
5 Irresistible Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Recipes
If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, then these five recipes will take your cookies to the next level. From the traditional favorite to fun and creative twists, there’s a peanut butter and jelly cookie recipe for everyone. Here are five irresistible variations you should definitely try:
1. Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
This is the ultimate recipe for those who want to stick with the original idea of combining peanut butter and jelly in cookie form. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, with a dollop of your favorite jelly in the center.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup jelly (any flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough by mixing peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Add the flour and baking soda, mixing until well combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and flatten with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool, then add a spoonful of jelly in the center before serving.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are made by creating a small indentation in each cookie, which you fill with jelly after baking. The thumbprint creates a burst of flavor in every bite and gives the cookies a lovely, homemade look.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Jelly or jam (for the thumbprint)
Instructions:
- Mix together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg.
- Stir in flour and baking powder until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and press each with your thumb to create a well.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then fill the thumbprints with jelly after cooling.
3. Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
For those following a plant-based diet, this vegan version eliminates eggs but still delivers the same rich peanut butter taste. Using a flaxseed egg and dairy-free peanut butter ensures these cookies are fully vegan-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (flaxseed egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Vegan jelly (such as fruit spread)
Instructions:
- Prepare the flaxseed egg by mixing flaxseed and water, then let it sit for a few minutes.
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, flaxseed egg, and vanilla.
- Add flour and baking soda, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooled, add a dollop of jelly to the center of each cookie.
4. Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Cookies
Add some texture and heartiness to your peanut butter and jelly cookies by incorporating oats. These oatmeal cookies are chewy and filling, with a delicious burst of jelly that complements the oat flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup jelly
Instructions:
- Cream together peanut butter, sugar, and egg.
- Stir in the oats, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Roll dough into balls, press them with a fork, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooled, add jelly to the center for that perfect PB&J touch.
5. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
These sandwich cookies are a fun twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly combination. Bake two thinner peanut butter cookies, then sandwich them together with a layer of jelly in between.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup jelly (for filling)
Instructions:
- Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and egg together to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool and then spread jelly between two cookies to create a sandwich.
These five peanut butter and jelly cookie recipes are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in this classic combination in new and creative ways. Whether you prefer a traditional version, a vegan option, or something with added texture, there’s a recipe here that will satisfy your cookie cravings!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Baking peanut butter and jelly cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the texture, flavor, or appearance of your cookies. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure that your cookies turn out perfect every time:
1. Using the Wrong Type of Peanut Butter
Not all peanut butters are created equal. When baking, it’s important to use creamy or chunky peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugar or hydrogenated oils. Natural peanut butter, which separates into oil and solids, can make the dough too runny and affect the texture. Stick to the standard peanut butter without extra additives for the best results.
2. Overmixing the Dough
While it’s tempting to keep mixing until everything is perfectly smooth, overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain the soft, chewy texture of your cookies.
3. Skipping the Chilling Step
Chilling the dough is a crucial step that many bakers skip. If the dough is too warm when placed on the baking sheet, it can spread too much in the oven, resulting in thin, uneven cookies. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and bake more evenly.
4. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately
Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor. Don’t eyeball your ingredients – especially when it comes to dry ingredients like flour. Too much flour can make the dough dry, while too little can cause the cookies to spread too much. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.
5. Overbaking the Cookies
One of the most common mistakes when baking cookies is leaving them in the oven too long. Peanut butter and jelly cookies should be removed when they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking them will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
6. Not Letting the Cookies Cool on the Baking Sheet
It’s important to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the cookies firm up and prevents them from breaking apart. If you try to move them too soon, they might crumble or lose their shape.
7. Using the Wrong Type of Jelly or Jam
While the type of jelly you choose is a personal preference, using jelly that’s too runny or too thick can cause problems. If the jelly is too runny, it will spread outside the cookie and make a mess. On the other hand, jelly that’s too thick might not spread evenly. Opt for a good-quality jelly or jam that’s not too watery for the best consistency.
8. Not Adjusting for Altitude
If you live at a high altitude, you may need to make some adjustments to your recipe. Baking at higher altitudes often requires slightly less baking soda and sugar to compensate for the thinner air. If you’re unsure, try researching altitude-specific adjustments or look for a recipe specifically suited to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use any type of jelly or jam that you prefer. Strawberry, grape, raspberry, and even apple jelly work great with peanut butter cookies. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination!
To achieve chewy cookies, it’s important to not overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to set.
3. Can I substitute peanut butter with almond butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or another nut butter if you’d like. Keep in mind that this might alter the flavor slightly, but it will still give you a delicious result. Just make sure to use the same quantity of almond butter as peanut butter.
To make your cookies more festive, you can use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the dough, add colored sprinkles or sanding sugar on top, or choose a seasonal jelly flavor like cranberry or apricot. These little touches will make your cookies perfect for any holiday occasion.
Yes, these cookies are very easy to make! The dough comes together quickly and requires no chilling, making them a great option for beginner bakers. The process is simple, and the result is a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers of cookies when freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion
Peanut butter and jelly cookies are a timeless treat that brings the nostalgic flavors of a classic sandwich into the world of baking. Whether you prefer the classic version, a vegan alternative, or a fun twist like oatmeal or sandwich cookies, there’s a peanut butter and jelly cookie recipe for everyone. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious combination of peanut butter and jelly in cookie form!
Print
How to Make Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies combine the best of two worlds: creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, baked into soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for any occasion, they’re simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, based on preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup jelly or jam (flavor of your choice)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Stir the mixture until the dough is fully combined.
Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the Jelly: Once cooled, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill with 1 teaspoon of your favorite jelly.
Notes
- You can use any type of jelly or jam you like – strawberry, grape, raspberry, or even apricot for a fun twist!
- If you prefer chunky peanut butter, feel free to use it in place of creamy peanut butter for added texture.
- Make sure the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to avoid breaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g