Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich. These soft, tender cookies are packed with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a dollop of sweet jam for the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Best of all, they require no chilling and can be made in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No chilling required—ready in under 30 minutes
- Soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor
- A nostalgic treat with the classic PB&J combination
- Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert
- Easy to customize with your favorite jam flavors
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Produce:
- Peanuts (for garnish, optional)
Refrigerated:
- 1 large egg
Condiments:
- ½ cup seedless jam (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Baking & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dairy:
- ½ cup butter (softened)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small well in the center of each cookie.
- Add Jam: Spoon a small amount of seedless jam into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Add more jam on top if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 28 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 10-11 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
Variations
- Chunky Peanut Butter: Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Different Jams: Try raspberry, strawberry, grape, or even apricot jam for variety.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Stir well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate.
2. What type of jam works best?
Seedless jams work best for a smooth texture, but any jam will do.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
No, this recipe does not require chilling, making it quick and easy!
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can store them at room temperature or freeze them for later.
5. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
Yes! You can mix by hand, but an electric mixer makes the process easier.
6. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well as a substitute.
7. How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much?
Use a thicker jam or reduce the amount slightly before baking.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to bake in batches.
9. How do I make these cookies extra soft?
Slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
10. Can I add peanut pieces for extra crunch?
Yes! Add chopped peanuts to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are the perfect combination of nostalgic flavors and soft, chewy texture. They come together quickly, require no chilling, and are easy to customize with different jams and nut butters. Whether you make them for a snack, dessert, or lunchbox treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, topped with a dollop of sweet jam! No chilling required—ready in just 30 minutes! A nostalgic twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, these cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup seedless jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
- Additional peanut butter (optional)
- Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter & sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in peanut butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Shape the cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indent in each cookie.
- Fill with jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use seedless jam for a smooth texture, or leave seeds for a rustic feel.
- Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Drizzle with extra peanut butter for a more decadent treat!
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American