If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food reinvented in the sweetest way possible, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe. Imagine the nostalgic charm of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but in the form of a tender, buttery cookie with a luscious smear of your favorite jam nestled right in the middle. These cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat that combine creamy peanut butter with the fruity burst of preserves, creating a delightful balance that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a casual snack, a school lunch surprise, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe brings joy with every chewy, jammy bite. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious twist on a timeless classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of pantry staples are required to make these wonderfully rich and flavorful cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture to the sweet fruitiness, ensuring that every cookie sings with the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies wonderfully tender.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds intense peanut flavor and moisture for that perfect chew.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens with a little crunch to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings caramel undertones and helps keep the cookies soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a bit of fluffiness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet notes with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and the perfect soft bite without being cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A subtle leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the peanut and jam flavors.
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam: Choose your favorite strawberry, raspberry, or grape to add that classic jelly touch.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and softly creamy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, setting the stage for wonderfully tender cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, beating them into the mixing bowl until everything is fully combined. These ingredients help bring the dough together and impart a subtle sweet aroma that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures they’ll be evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving your cookies the perfect texture every time.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop heaping teaspoons of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them for spreading. Flatten each cookie gently with a fork, pressing in a crisscross pattern—that classic peanut butter cookie signature.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft. After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Assemble Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Once cooled, spread about a teaspoon of your chosen jam on the flat side of one cookie and gently press a second cookie on top to create a sandwich. Repeat until all are paired up, creating delightful bite-sized treasures ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of powdered sugar over the assembled sandwich cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For a fun twist, you might also press crushed peanuts around the jam edges to add texture and enhance the peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea elevates the experience. For a playful dessert spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a simple vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sandwich cookies in a rustic, wrapped bundle tied with twine for gifting. You can also arrange them on a pretty platter alongside mini jars of assorted jams, encouraging your guests to create customized combinations by swapping out flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy without the risk of the jam drying out or the peanut butter becoming stale.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies unassembled by placing the baked cookie halves separately on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the halves and add fresh jam to assemble your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe with that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your cookies, microwave a sandwich cookie for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the gooey warmth of the peanut butter and jam, making them taste like they just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give your cookies a delightful texture with peanut pieces throughout, adding an extra crunch that’s just as delicious.
What kinds of jam work best for this recipe?
Strawberry, raspberry, and grape jams are classic choices that complement peanut butter wonderfully, but don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors like blackberry, apricot, or even marmalade for a unique twist.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bring it back to room temperature briefly before scooping and baking.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it an excellent dessert choice for vegetarians.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
You can expect to make about 18 sandwich cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying over several days without feeling guilty about indulging too much at once.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and joyful about turning a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a cookie that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. This Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a beloved favorite whether shared with family or saved for a special treat just for you. Don’t hesitate—bake a batch today and fill your kitchen with the sweet, nutty aroma of your new go-to dessert!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the nostalgic flavors of classic peanut butter and jelly, transformed into charming sandwich cookies. These soft, chewy treats combine creamy peanut butter cookies with a sweet dollop of fruit jam, perfect for an easy dessert or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which aerates the dough for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to incorporate moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Scoop dough by rounded teaspoons and roll each portion into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Shape Cookies: Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern to create the classic peanut butter cookie texture.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breaking when assembling.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Experiment with various jams like strawberry, raspberry, or grape to customize flavors.
- These cookies freeze well; store unassembled cookies separately and sandwich them fresh upon serving.
