Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies – A Nostalgic Treat

Nothing beats the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, and these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies take that timeless duo to a whole new level! Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are sandwiched together with a sweet, fruity jelly filling, creating the ultimate treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for PB jelly cookies for a snack, a peanut butter jelly appetizer for a party, or just a fun baking recipe with peanut butter, this dessert is sure to impress.

Not only are these cookies packed with flavor, but they’re also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. They make a fantastic addition to your collection of easy box dessert recipes, and they’re perfect for gifting, bake sales, or just treating yourself.

Let’s get started on these fancy peanut butter cookies that bring all the nostalgic flavors of a PB&J sandwich into an irresistible dessert!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fun twist on a classic – Inspired by PB&J sandwiches but in cookie form.
• Soft, chewy, and delicious – Perfectly textured peanut butter cookies with a sweet, fruity filling.
• Great for any occasion – Serve them as a snack, dessert, or even a peanut butter jelly appetizer at parties.
• Customizable flavors – Swap out the jelly for your favorite jam, fruit preserves, or even chocolate spread.
• Kid-friendly & family-approved – A great recipe for baking with kids!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Jelly Filling:

• ½ cup (120g) strawberry or raspberry jam (or any preferred jelly)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for a slightly thicker filling)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small spoon or piping bag (for filling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
2. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Jelly Filling

1. In a small bowl, stir together the jam and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. If the jam is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to make it easier to spread.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a teaspoon of jelly filling onto the bottom of one cookie.
2. Place another cookie on top, gently pressing to create a sandwich.
3. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

These PB jelly cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or as a unique peanut butter jelly appetizer at gatherings.

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Tips for the Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

• Use creamy peanut butter – For a smoother texture, avoid natural peanut butter, as it can be too oily.
• Let cookies cool completely – This prevents the jelly from melting and making the cookies soggy.
• Chill the dough – If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Experiment with flavors – Try different jams like apricot, blackberry, or even Nutella for a fun twist.

Peanut Butter Jelly Appetizer Version

For bite-sized peanut butter jelly appetizers, try making mini cookie sandwiches:

• Use a teaspoon-sized dough ball for smaller cookies.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes instead of 8-10 minutes.
• Pipe a small dollop of jelly in the center and top with another mini cookie.

These are perfect for serving at brunches, tea parties, or holiday gatherings!

Creative Jelly Desserts Ideas

If you love baking with jam recipes, here are some fun ways to use these cookies:

• Drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a PB&J sundae.
• Dip in melted dark chocolate for a fancier treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the cookies – Peanut butter cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them when they’re just set.
• Using too much jelly – Too much filling can make them messy; stick to about 1 teaspoon per cookie.
• Skipping the powdered sugar in the jam – This helps prevent the filling from seeping into the cookies.

How to Store and Keep Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months; add jelly after thawing.
• Reheating: Let cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What to Serve with PB&J Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun pairings:

• Glass of milk – A classic PB&J pairing.
• Hot tea or coffee – Balances the sweetness.
• Fruit platter – Adds a refreshing contrast.

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FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the best results.

What’s the best type of jam to use?

Thicker jams like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work best. Avoid very runny jellies.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It will add texture but may make the dough harder to mix.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are the perfect mix of nostalgic flavors and homemade goodness. Whether you’re making them as a peanut butter jelly appetizer, a fun dessert, or a treat for the whole family, they’re sure to be a hit.

Try this recipe today, and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share your baking recipes with peanut butter and tag us when you bake. Happy baking!

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