Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies – Soft & Sweet Classic Treat

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies combine the nostalgic flavor of the classic sandwich with the irresistible texture of soft, chewy cookies. Each cookie features rich peanut butter dough with a sweet, fruity jelly center that melts into every bite. These cookies are easy to prepare, fun to customize, and perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, parties, or dessert trays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with sweet jelly centers
• Quick and simple ingredients
• Perfect for baking with kids
• Great for holidays, lunchboxes, or dessert platters
• Easy to customize with different jams or nut butters

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until dough forms.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
7. Press thumb gently into center of each cookie to create an indent.
8. Fill each indent with about ½ teaspoon jelly.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture
• Try raspberry, strawberry, or grape jelly for variety
• Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a dessert twist
• Chill dough for 20 minutes if cookies spread too much
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for decoration

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extended freshness
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
• Freeze cookie dough balls separately and bake fresh when needed
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with cold milk or hot chocolate
• Pair with fresh fruit for balanced dessert plates
• Include in holiday cookie trays
• Pack in lunchboxes for sweet treats
• Serve warm for softer texture and melted jelly centers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir well before using to maintain proper dough texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use almond or sunflower butter?

Absolutely. Both work well as substitutes.

Why did my jelly spread too much?

Overfilling or thin jam can cause spreading. Use thicker preserves for best results.

Ready to Make It?

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies transform a classic favorite into a soft, chewy dessert perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake comforting homemade cookies that everyone loves. Mix the dough, add the sweet jelly centers, bake until golden, and enjoy nostalgic flavors in every bite. Save this recipe for later or share it with friends who love classic comfort desserts.

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