Name: Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies: Nostalgic Chewy Delights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 stick Unsalted Butter (melted); 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter (stir well to avoid separation); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 cups Bleached All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 2 large Large Eggs (room temperature); 2 tablespoons Milk (optional); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Strawberry Jam (chilled)

As I stood over the mixing bowl, the delightful aroma of melted butter and peanut butter wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to childhood lunches filled with the comforting tastes of PB&J sandwiches. These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies bring that cherished nostalgia right into cookie form, offering a quick and easy treat that’s soft, chewy, and utterly satisfying. With no mixer needed, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for an after-school snack or a cozy dessert! Plus, the gooey strawberry jam oozing in the center is a fun surprise that will have you smiling with every bite. Are you ready to indulge in a classic twist? Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe!

Why make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies?

Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies capture the essence of your favorite childhood treat, making them a heartwarming choice for any occasion.

Easy Prep: With no mixer needed, whip these up effortlessly—perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings!

Soft and Chewy: Enjoy a cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, combining a crispy outer layer with a gooey jam center.

Versatile Alternatives: Feel free to swap in almond butter or different jams for a fun twist, allowing you to customize each batch.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for school lunches or family gatherings, these cookies will have everyone coming back for more, just like the beloved PB&J sandwiches of your youth! Try pairing them with a glass of cold milk or check out my recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies for more delightful treats!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s melted for the best texture.
Natural Peanut Butter – Provides intense peanut flavor; stir well to avoid separation. Conventional peanut butter can substitute.
Light Brown Sugar – Offers moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for extra depth.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookie and helps create a lovely crisp outer layer.
Bleached All-Purpose Flour – Essential for a soft and pliable dough; unbleached flour can be used if adjusted by reducing the amount slightly.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent for puffiness and a light texture in your cookie.
Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda for additional lift, giving your cookies a perfect rise.
Fine Sea Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the peanut butter & jelly cookies.
Large Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; use at room temperature for the best results.
Milk – Adds moisture that helps with texture; can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm aroma and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

For the Filling

Strawberry Jam (or Jelly) – Adds sweetness and a fruity burst; chilled jam is preferred for stability during baking.

Feel inspired by the flavors of childhood with these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies that will surely bring smiles to faces of all ages!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help your cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking. Make sure to have everything ready so you can quickly transfer your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies to the oven when the dough is ready.

Step 2: Melt and Mix
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth, which should take about 30 seconds. Stir in the natural peanut butter until the mixture is fully combined and creamy. The warmth will help blend flavors seamlessly, creating a rich base for your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Sugars
Add both light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Whisk these ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes until they are thoroughly incorporated. The sugars should dissolve and create a smooth, glossy mixture. Allow this to cool slightly before the next step to prevent scrambling the eggs.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once cooled, whisk in the large room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process should take about 1 minute. The eggs provide structure, while the vanilla enhances the flavor, ensuring every bite of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies is delicious.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the bleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that is slightly sticky and ready for shaping.

Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, rolling them into smooth balls with your hands. This will help create uniform cookies that bake evenly. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Create Wells for Jam
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each cookie dough ball. This will hold the sweet surprise of strawberry jam. Ensure that the well is deep enough to hold about one teaspoon of jam, but not so deep that it breaks through the dough.

Step 8: Fill with Strawberry Jam
Spoon in a teaspoon of chilled strawberry jam into each well, allowing it to fill just to the edge of the dough. Be careful not to overflow, as the jam can bubble during baking. This fruity filling is the star of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies, providing that nostalgic touch everyone loves.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set while the centers remain soft. The cookies will slightly puff up but will settle as they cool, creating a perfectly chewy texture combined with the gooey jam center.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up before transferring them to wire racks. Once cooled, enjoy your delightful Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, ensuring that chewy texture lasts!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies for new flavor experiences!

Almond Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a nutty twist with a slightly different taste.
Different Jams: Use raspberry or grape jam instead of strawberry to bring an exciting burst of flavor to each cookie.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising and delightful heat that complements the sweetness.
Nutty Additions: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the chewy cookie.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish, taking these treats to the next level of indulgence.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk to create vegan Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these delightful cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Stuffed Cookies: For an extra surprise, fill the cookies with a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread in addition to the jam for a rich, delightful taste.

No matter how you choose to create your own version, these cookies will surely bring the warm nostalgia of childhood back to life. And if you’re in the mood for something equally delightful, why not try making a batch of Butter Toffee Cookies as well?

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Butter Temperature: Use melted unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and wonderful flavor in your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies.
Jam Consistency: Use chilled strawberry jam to avoid it leaking during baking. This helps maintain the integrity of the cookie and enhances the flavor.
Shape Uniformly: If you want perfectly round cookies, use a cookie cutter immediately after baking to reshape them while they’re warm and soft.
Flour Choice: Stick with bleached all-purpose flour for the best texture. If using unbleached flour, slightly reduce the amount for softer cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy perfection.
Extra Variations: Experiment with different nut butters or jams like almond butter or raspberry to give your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies a fun twist!

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy that nostalgic flavor anytime! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. If you’re looking for even longer storage, the unbaked dough can be frozen for up to one month. Just scoop into balls and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and create your wells for the jam. Bake as directed and enjoy fresh cookies just as delicious as those made the same day!

What to Serve with Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies?

Imagine a serene afternoon where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, inviting everyone to indulge in a delightful treat.

Creamy Milk: This classic pairing enhances the cookies’ sweet and nutty flavors, making it a nostalgic combination reminiscent of childhood snacks.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries brings a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies, lightening up each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Soft and chewy cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream create a deliciously decadent dessert, perfect for warm weather treat.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The richness of chocolate with the fruity notes of strawberries complements the peanut butter cookies, creating an elevated experience with every crunch.
Chai Tea: The spiced warmth of chai harmonizes beautifully with the peanut butter flavor, making for a cozy drink that adds a layer of comfort to your cookie feast.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend ripe bananas, milk, and a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamy smoothie that echoes the flavors of the cookies while offering extra nutrition.
Rice Crispy Treats: The crisp and chewy texture of these bars creates a fun contrast to the soft cookies, making for a playful mix on any dessert platter.
Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: The tartness of apples balanced with gooey caramel enhances the sweet side of the cookies, creating a delightful snacking experience that’s hard to resist.

Storage Tips for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, perfect for grabbing on the go!
Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, place them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days; however, they may lose some of their gooeyness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month. Portion the dough, wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag for easy access later.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat baked cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This refreshes their soft texture and melts the jam, making them scrumptious again!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using natural peanut butter, which provides a rich, intense peanut flavor. Make sure to stir it well before measuring; otherwise, you might end up with a very oily mix! If you prefer, conventional peanut butter can work too, but it may contain added sugars and oils that alter the cookies’ taste slightly.

What’s the best way to store Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies?
Very! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their life, consider placing them in the fridge for roughly 5 days, although this may diminish the gooey center. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before savoring!

Can I freeze the dough for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies?
Certainly! If you’d like to prepare a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough for up to 1 month. Portion the dough into balls, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If you’re finding your cookie dough crumbling too much, it might be due to the flour measurement being a bit off or not enough moisture. Try mixing in an extra tablespoon of melted butter or milk to bring it together. If you’ve added too much flour, you can compensate by gradually mixing in a small amount of liquid until the dough reaches your desired consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with these cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re making these for someone with allergies, be mindful of the peanut butter, as it’s a common allergen. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with sun butter or a seed butter. Also, check your chosen jam to ensure it’s free from any allergens, especially if you use specialty brands.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set while the centers are still soft; they should have a lovely golden-brown edge and slightly puffed appearance. If the edges are firm and the center looks moist, they are perfect! Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake them for that soft, chewy center we all love!