Soft & Sweet PB&J Cookies Recipe: Childhood Joy in Each Bite

Sweet memories of childhood lunches dance through these delightful peanut butter and jelly cookies that blend nostalgic comfort with irresistible flavors.

Soft, buttery dough meets classic sandwich-inspired ingredients in a delectable treat.

The peanut butter and jelly combination creates a perfect balance of creamy richness and fruity sweetness.

Each bite promises a playful twist on the beloved sandwich we all know and love.

Simple ingredients come together to craft these charming little cookies that bring warmth and joy to any dessert plate.

You’ll adore how easily these cookies capture the essence of a timeless flavor pairing.

Get ready to bake a batch that sparks smiles and satisfies sweet cravings with every delicious morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and enhances the cookie's luxurious mouthfeel.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Delivers deep sweetness with caramel undertones and helps create a perfect golden-brown cookie.
• Peanut Butter: Brings intense nutty flavor and creates a classic, comforting taste profile.

• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structural integrity to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth and complements the peanut butter's richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the cookie's foundational structure and ensures a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Jam: Adds vibrant fruity surprise and creates beautiful visual contrast with the golden cookie.

Tools Needed for PB&J Cookies

• Large bowl or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheets: Essential for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Creates non-stick surface and easy cookie removal.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements are key.
• Fork: Helps flatten cookies and create classic crisscross pattern.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Great for scraping bowl and transferring dough.

Baking Instructions for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

• Cozy Kitchen Prep Warm up your oven and get your baking sheets ready with a light layer of parchment paper to create the perfect cookie canvas.
• Butter Bliss Soften your butter until it's smooth and creamy, then dance in the sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy like a cloud.
• Nutty Magic Swirl in the peanut butter, creating a rich and delectable base that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Egg and Vanilla Charm Blend in a fresh egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until the batter looks silky and inviting.
• Flour Power Gently fold in the dry ingredients, letting the dough come together without overmixing – keep it tender and light.
• Cookie Shaping Create small round balls of dough, then give them a gentle press with a fork for that classic cookie look.
• Jam Surprise Add a dollop of fruity jam right in the center, like a sweet hidden treasure.
• Oven Love Bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
• Cooling Moment Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack, allowing them to set perfectly.

Tips & Variations for PB&J Cookies

• Prepare cookie dough balls in advance, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for easy future baking without compromising texture or flavor.
• Sprinkle chopped peanuts or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies to elevate the classic PB&J profile with extra texture and richness.
• Press two baked cookies together with additional peanut butter or jelly in the middle for a more decadent dessert that doubles the nostalgic comfort.
• Cut back on granulated sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness, ensuring the cookies remain soft and deliciously balanced.

Ways to Serve PB&J Cookies for Fun Occasions

• Serve With Milk: Pair these classic cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic, comforting treat that brings back childhood memories.
• Create a Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful plate with different jelly colors to make a visually appealing dessert spread for gatherings.
• Pack for Lunchbox Delight: Wrap these cookies individually for a sweet surprise in kids' school lunches or adult work snack breaks.
• Gift with Love: Package the cookies in a cute box or mason jar with a ribbon for a homemade gift that shows personal care and baking skills.

Storage and Planning Tips for PB&J Cookies

• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.
• Refrigerate Jam Carefully: If using homemade jam, store cookies in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Revive Stale Cookies: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or place a slice of bread in the container to restore moisture and softness.

Nostalgic Peanut Butter And Jelly Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Nostalgic peanut butter and jelly cookies deliver childhood comfort with professional bakery flair. Classic American flavors blend seamlessly in each sweet, crumbly bite that connects generations of dessert memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter (1 stick)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup seedless jam (more for topping)
• Melted peanut butter for garnishing
• Chopped peanuts for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal baking performance.
2. Creaming: Whip softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth, then gradually incorporate granulated and brown sugars, blending until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Wet Ingredients: Mix in smooth peanut butter, followed by egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the composition reaches a uniform, silky consistency.
4. Dry Mixture: Sift flour, baking soda, and kosher salt together, then gently fold into the wet ingredients, creating a cohesive cookie dough.
5. Shaping and Filling: Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls, distribute evenly on prepared sheets, and flatten using a fork dipped in sugar to create a classic crosshatch pattern; place a small dollop of fruit jam in the center of each cookie.
6. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges turn lightly golden brown, then allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to complete cooling and achieve the perfect texture.

Notes

• Butter Softening Tip: Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Dough Handling Technique: Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky consistency and improve shape retention.
• Jam Selection Strategy: Use thick, low-moisture fruit preserves to prevent spreading and maintain cookie structure during baking.
• Storage Secret: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg