Step into a world where childhood nostalgia meets gourmet indulgence with these incredible Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies. Forget everything you thought you knew about PB&J sandwiches – these chewy, soft peanut butter cookies topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting and a dollop of sweet, fruity jelly are an elevated twist on a classic comfort food. Often described as even better than what you’d find at popular cookie shops, these homemade PB&J cookies perfectly capture the iconic flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a fun, irresistible cookie form. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delightful journey back to simpler times, crafted with a touch of sophistication.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked peanut butter cookie, rich and tender, followed by the creamy bliss of whipped peanut butter frosting, all perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy burst of fruit jelly. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience. If you’re yearning for the beloved flavors of your favorite childhood sandwich but crave something a little more special, then upgrading to these gourmet peanut butter and jelly cookies is an absolute must. They are ideal for bake sales, parties, or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure bliss. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create these show-stopping treats right in your own kitchen.
For those who love exploring delightful cookie recipes, don’t miss out on other easy-to-follow options. Try our Chewy Monster Cookies for a delightful blend of chocolate and peanut butter, or whip up a batch of Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for those with dietary considerations. And if you’re a true peanut butter connoisseur, our Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies offer a wonderfully spiced twist on a classic.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These PB&J Cookies
These peanut butter and jelly cookies stand out from the crowd for several compelling reasons, making them a must-try for any dessert enthusiast:
- Unforgettable PB&J Flavors: We’ve masterfully blended the comforting, nostalgic taste of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the irresistible sweetness of a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of creamy peanut butter and vibrant fruit jelly, evoking fond childhood memories while delivering a sophisticated dessert experience.
- A Truly Gourmet Cookie Experience: Elevate your cookie game with this recipe. What sets these PB&J cookies apart is the luxurious whipped peanut butter topping and the generous dollop of glistening jelly. This thoughtful addition transforms a simple cookie into a gourmet treat that looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance and exquisite flavor, these peanut butter and jelly cookies are incredibly easy to prepare. Our recipe breaks down each step into clear, straightforward instructions, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a decadent dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just need a sweet pick-me-up, these PB&J cookies are always a hit. Their universal appeal and unique presentation make them a fantastic addition to any dessert spread, sure to impress guests of all ages.
- Customizable Fun: While strawberry jelly is a classic choice, this recipe encourages creativity. Experiment with different jams and jellies to find your favorite flavor combination. Grape jelly, raspberry jam, or even apricot preserves can offer exciting new twists, making each batch a new adventure.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Crafting the perfect peanut butter and jelly cookie starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here are some key notes to ensure your cookies turn out exceptionally delicious. A full list of precise measurements can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Unsalted Butter: For this recipe, you’ll need unsalted butter. It’s crucial to melt the butter beforehand and allow it ample time to cool to room temperature. Using warm butter can drastically alter the dough’s consistency, potentially leading to cookies that spread too much during baking. Room temperature melted butter ensures a perfectly chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: We recommend using light brown sugar for its delicate molasses flavor and moisture content, which contributes to the cookies’ chewiness. However, dark brown sugar can also be used if preferred, offering a slightly richer, deeper caramel note. Ensure it’s packed firmly when measuring for accuracy.
- Eggs: Just like butter, eggs should be at room temperature before incorporating them into the dough. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and contributing to a lighter, more tender crumb in your finished peanut butter cookies. Remember to take them out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you plan to bake.
- Peanut Butter (for cookies): For the cookie dough itself, a standard, creamy grocery store peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best. Natural peanut butter, which tends to separate, can have a different texture and may affect the final consistency of the dough and cookies. While creamy is preferred for its smooth integration, crunchy peanut butter can also be used if you desire an extra textural element in your cookies.
- Powdered Sugar (for topping): This fine sugar is essential for achieving a silky-smooth whipped peanut butter topping. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it is a non-negotiable step to prevent any lumps or gritty texture in your frosting. This ensures a professional-looking and delightful finish.
- Strawberry Jelly/Preserves: Strawberry preserves are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and slightly thicker consistency, which holds up beautifully on top of the cookies. However, feel free to personalize your gourmet PB&J cookies by substituting with grape jelly, raspberry jam, or any other fruit preserve that tickles your taste buds. The key is to use a good quality jelly or jam for the best flavor payoff.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to bake a batch of the most delicious peanut butter and jelly cookies you’ve ever tasted! This recipe utilizes a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for ease, but a good hand mixer will also do the trick. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, meticulously sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is crucial here as it aerates the flour and removes any lumps, ensuring your cookies have a light and even texture. Once combined, set this mixture aside, ready for later use.
STEP 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cooled, room-temperature melted unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together on high speed for a full two minutes. During this time, the mixture will transform, becoming notably pale in color and fluffy in texture. This creaming process is vital for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ final texture.
STEP 3: Incorporate Peanut Butter and Eggs. Reduce the mixer speed to medium. Add the peanut butter, pure vanilla extract, and room temperature eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. Next, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
STEP 4: Prepare for Baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Allow your cookie dough to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature while the oven preheats. This brief rest helps the flour hydrate and can prevent excessive spreading during baking. Once rested, use a 2-ounce or 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Arrange six cookie dough balls evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet.
STEP 5: Bake the Cookies. To ensure optimal baking and even heat distribution, bake one cookie sheet at a time in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should appear slightly set around the edges but still look soft and slightly underdone in the center. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly as they cool.
STEP 6: Cool the Cookies. Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the hot baking pan for an initial 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly without overbaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensuring they are fully cooled is crucial before applying any topping.
STEP 7: Prepare the Whipped Peanut Butter Topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the peanut butter until it’s smooth and pourable. Be careful not to overheat it. Once melted, add the sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to the peanut butter. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light, smooth, and fluffy. If the topping appears too thick or stiff, you can warm it briefly in the microwave again for a few seconds to achieve a more spreadable consistency.
STEP 8: Assemble Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies. Now for the fun part! Take each completely cooled cookie and scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the whipped peanut butter topping onto its center. Use an offset icing spatula to gently spread the peanut butter evenly across the top of the cookie, creating a smooth layer. Next, carefully add about ½ tablespoon of your chosen strawberry (or other fruit) jelly on top of the peanut butter layer. Gently spread the jelly, allowing the vibrant color to contrast beautifully with the creamy peanut butter. Repeat for all cookies and prepare to enjoy your homemade gourmet treats!
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless PB&J Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality peanut butter and jelly cookies is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Improperly measured flour is a common pitfall in baking. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. If you scoop directly from the bag, the flour can become compacted, resulting in too much flour, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies that don’t spread properly. For ultimate precision, a kitchen scale is your best friend.
- Troubleshooting Cookie Spread: If your cookies are spreading more than desired, first ensure you’re using parchment paper on your baking sheets. This creates a non-stick surface and helps with even baking. Excessive spreading can often be attributed to butter that was too warm when added to the ingredients. If you suspect this, or if your cookies continue to spread too much, try chilling your scooped cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Adjusting for High Altitude Baking: Bakers living at high altitudes often need to make small adjustments to recipes. To counteract the lower atmospheric pressure that can cause cookies to spread more or become too thin, add an extra 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to your dough. This helps stabilize the structure of the cookies.
- The Secret to Chewy Centers: For that coveted soft and chewy interior, it’s best to slightly underbake your cookies. They should look just set around the edges but still appear a little soft and pale in the very center. The residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook them after they’re removed from the oven, resulting in perfectly chewy, not hard, cookies.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature as specified in the recipe. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother, more emulsified batter that yields a superior cookie texture. Plan ahead and take them out of the fridge a couple of hours before you start baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About PB&J Cookies
Can I make these into smaller cookies?
Absolutely! If you prefer smaller, bite-sized peanut butter and jelly cookies, simply use a smaller cookie scoop (such as a 1-tablespoon size). You can then scoop 12 cookie dough balls per baking sheet and adjust the baking time slightly, typically reducing it by 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Can these cookie dough balls be frozen for later?
Yes, freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic idea for meal prep! Scoop the cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the cookie dough balls thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Is it possible to chill the cookie dough overnight?
Yes, you can certainly chill the cookie dough overnight to deepen the flavors and potentially improve the texture. For best results, we recommend portioning the dough into cookie balls first before chilling them overnight. Arrange them on a baking sheet, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Before baking, allow the chilled cookie dough balls to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure even baking and proper spread.
What kind of peanut butter is best for the topping?
For the whipped peanut butter topping, creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best. Its consistent texture allows it to melt smoothly and whip up into a light, fluffy frosting. Natural peanut butter can be used, but it might result in a slightly oilier or denser topping due to its natural oil separation and firmer texture when chilled.
Can I use different types of jam or jelly?
Absolutely! While strawberry preserves offer a classic taste, feel free to get creative. Grape jelly is another traditional PB&J pairing and works wonderfully. Raspberry jam provides a lovely tartness, while apricot or blackberry preserves could offer unique gourmet twists. Choose your favorite to customize these delightful cookies!
Storing and Freezing Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade peanut butter and jelly cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature on your kitchen counter. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 5 days, though we doubt they’ll last that long!
Freezing Baked Cookies
If you wish to extend the life of your baked PB&J cookies, they freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 30 days. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for 1-2 hours. A crucial note for freezing: the texture of the whipped peanut butter and jelly topping may be slightly affected by freezing and thawing. For the best quality, we highly recommend freezing the plain baked peanut butter cookies and then preparing and applying the topping only after they have thawed.
More Gourmet Cookie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed crafting these delightful peanut butter and jelly cookies, you’ll love exploring other gourmet cookie recipes on our site! We have a wide array of unique and classic treats designed to bring joy to your kitchen.
We’d love to hear from you! If you loved this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW below. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats with your creations. For more baking inspiration and delicious ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
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Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup Brown sugar, packed light or dark
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 cup Peanut butter
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
Toppings
- 1 cup Peanut butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 cup Strawberry jelly, I liked strawberry preserves
Instructions
Peanut Butter Cookies
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat the melted butter (make sure it is cooled to room temperature), brown sugar, and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. It will become pale in color.
- Add the peanut butter, vanilla, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let the cookie dough sit for 10 minutes. This helps to prevent spreading.
- Scoop the dough using a 2 oz cookie scoop or 2 TBSP. Scoop 6 cookie dough balls per cookie sheet.
- Bake 1 cookie sheet at a time. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool cookies completely before decorating.
Toppings
- Melt the peanut butter in the microwave. Then, add the sifted powdered sugar and cinnamon and mix with a hand mixer. Mix until smooth. If too thick, place back in the microwave to melt.
- Place 1 TBSP of whipped peanut butter on top of the cookie. Spread using an offset icing spatula. Scoop 1/2 TBSP of strawberry jelly on top of the peanut butter and spread.
Notes
High altitude baking- Add an extra 1 TBSP of flour.
Pull out dairy ingredients 2 hours before baking.