Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

A delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are perfect for any occasion. These soft, tender cookies, bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with sweet jam, are easy to whip up. With no chilling time required, you can have a batch ready in just 30 minutes! Whether it’s a party, a picnic, or a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need to chill the dough; you can enjoy homemade cookies in just half an hour.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jam creates a taste sensation that everyone loves.
• Versatile: Use your favorite type of seedless jam for a unique twist on each batch.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike; they make an excellent after-school snack or dessert.
• Great for Sharing: With about 28 cookies per batch, these treats are ideal for gatherings or gifting.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cookie-making experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a fluffy cookie dough.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies without burning.
• Cookie scoop: Helps form uniform cookie balls for even baking and consistent sizing.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 & 1/2 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup seedless jam
• more jam (to top baked cookies)
• melted peanut butter (to garnish)
• chopped peanuts (to garnish)

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the 1/2 cup of butter until it is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as necessary.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Beat well until fluffy with no chunks of butter remaining.

Step 4: Mix in Peanut Butter

Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix until thoroughly combined. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, feel free to use it instead!

Step 5: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add in the large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients by including 1 & 1/2 cups of flour, then sprinkle on top 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir gently to mix them together before combining them into the dough.

Step 7: Form the Dough

Turn on the mixer at low speed to incorporate the flour mixture. Stop mixing once you see no visible flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies!

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Shape the dough into balls approximately 1 & 1/2 inches wide using a cookie scoop. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheets with enough space in between.

Step 9: Flatten the Cookies

Dip a fork into sugar or flour to prevent sticking. Press down onto each cookie ball to flatten them slightly. Turn the fork perpendicular to create a crisscross pattern on top.

Step 10: Add Jam Topping

Stir your 1/2 cup of seedless jam in a bowl to remove lumps. Carefully place about one teaspoon of jam onto each cookie without letting it slide off the edges.

Step 11: Bake Cookies

Bake your cookies at 350 degrees F for about 13–15 minutes. They should have set edges with slight browning around them when finished.

Step 12: Cool Down

Let them cool on the pans for at least 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

With these steps followed carefully, you’ll create delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies that everyone will love!

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them at home, these cookies can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness of the jam.

Warm with Extra Jam

• For an indulgent experience, add a dollop of extra jam on top before serving. This adds freshness and moisture.

Drizzled with Melted Peanut Butter

• A drizzle of melted peanut butter over the cookies not only looks appealing but also intensifies the peanut flavor.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruits. This adds color and provides a refreshing contrast.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an irresistible dessert sundae.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing ingredients like butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to tender cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. The dough should come together without visible flour streaks.
• Chill Your Dough (Optional): If you’re not baking right away, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and help control spreading.
• Bake Until Just Set: Watch closely while baking. The edges should be set with slight browning for the perfect texture.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They taste best within three days.
• Freeze for Later: Shape and freeze dough balls before baking. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime without thawing.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Sliced Fresh Fruit
   A mix of berries or apple slices provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy accompaniment that balances sweetness.

3. Nutty Granola Bars
   These bars offer crunch and nutty flavors that pair well with the soft texture of the cookies.

4. Chocolate Milkshake
   A thick chocolate milkshake creates a delightful combination of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.

5. Fruit Smoothie
   Blend bananas, berries, and spinach for a nutritious drink that complements the cookie’s flavor profile.

6. Cheese Platter
   Select mild cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta that can balance the sweetness of the cookies while adding creaminess.

7. Coffee or Tea
   A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the cookie experience, bringing out its rich flavors beautifully.

8. Ice Cream Sandwiches
   Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches filled with your favorite flavor for an exciting twist!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies from good to great.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing your cookie dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour streaks.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Using cold butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a creamy mix. Cold butter will not blend well with sugars, affecting texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes helps them set properly. Moving them too soon can lead to breakage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

• Freeze shaped cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Use a ziplock bag or airtight container for best results.

Reheating Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.

What kind of jam should I use for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies?

You can use any seedless jam that you enjoy, such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

How do I store leftover Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to three days.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze either the shaped dough or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.

Can I customize the flavor of these cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors that evoke childhood memories while being incredibly easy to make. Feel free to customize them with different jams or toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime!