There is something truly magical about the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly coming together in a delightful twist. The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe takes your favorite childhood snack to a whole new level by transforming it into a chewy, crumbly cookie filled with luscious jelly. Each bite delivers that familiar, comforting contrast of nutty richness and sweet fruitiness, making these cookies an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Whether for lunchboxes, parties, or simply snack time, these cookies bring joy and nostalgia wrapped into one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients bring this Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe to life. Each component plays an important role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and visual appeal that make these cookies stand out.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides the star nutty flavor and creamy texture essential to these cookies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping with cookie structure and browning.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Introduces moisture and a hint of molasses-like depth.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and aroma.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the backbone that holds cookies together just right.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly ensuring a soft and tender bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
- ½ cup jelly or jam: Strawberry, raspberry, or grape jam works beautifully as the luscious filling.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for a flawless baking experience.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making the cookies lighter and more tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. The egg acts as a binder while the vanilla deepens the flavor, giving the cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent texture and taste.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This dough should be pliable but not too sticky, perfect for shaping into cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Prepare Cookies for Baking
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, then gently flatten each with the back of a fork, creating a charming crisscross pattern classic to peanut butter cookies.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. This timing ensures they’re cooked through but remain soft and chewy in the center—the perfect texture for sandwiching.
Step 8: Cool and Assemble Sandwiches
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread about one teaspoon of your chosen jelly on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Repeat for all cookies to create delightful peanut butter and jelly sandwich cookies.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped peanuts on the jelly before sandwiching to introduce a lively crunch and enhance the nutty flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwich cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat or a cup of fragrant black tea to balance the sweetness. They also make a fantastic finish to a casual picnic lunch or a fun afternoon tea spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for a festive touch. For parties, stack them vertically with colorful cupcake liners or box them up individually for gifting—they’re sure to be a hit wherever served.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sandwich cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their soft texture and fresh flavor—perfect for enjoying throughout the week without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them ahead of time, both assembled and unassembled cookies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to retain their delicious consistency.
Reheating
While these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings out the peanut butter’s aroma and softens the cookie just slightly without melting the jelly—like fresh-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture to the cookies, giving an extra nutty crunch that complements the soft dough wonderfully.
What types of jelly or jam work best for this recipe?
Strawberry, raspberry, and grape jams are favorites because their sweetness and slight tartness balance the richness of peanut butter perfectly, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free as written, but you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend to make a wheat-free variation.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
You will end up with around 16 sandwich cookies, or 32 individual cookies before assembling—just enough to share or keep for yourself!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, such as using vegan butter and egg substitutes, you could create a vegan version, but the current recipe includes butter and egg for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that feels both comforting and completely satisfying, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Each bite wraps you in familiar flavors with an exciting cookie twist that’s sure to brighten your day and bring back warm memories. So gather your ingredients and get baking—these cookies are ready to become a new favorite family tradition!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 sandwich cookies (32 individual cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies combine the classic flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the irresistible texture of soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or an anytime treat, these cookies feature a rich peanut butter dough baked to golden perfection and filled with your favorite jelly or jam for a delicious twist on a nostalgic favorite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup jelly or jam (such as strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This will create the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, incorporating moisture and flavor into the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed for consistent rising.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Then, flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork to create a signature crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling helps the cookies hold their shape during assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cool, spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jelly or jam on the underside of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies and jelly.
Notes
- For added texture and crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- These cookies freeze very well, whether assembled or unassembled, making them great for meal prep or to have on hand for parties.
- Experiment with different flavors of jelly or jam to customize your cookies to your preference.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before sandwiching to prevent the jelly from melting or cookies from breaking.
