There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of cozy family gatherings, laughter echoing through the halls, and, of course, the joy of indulging in sweet treats. Peanut butter and jelly cookies have a special place in my heart—they remind me of simple childhood pleasures. Imagine a perfect cookie loaded with the beloved flavors of peanut butter and sweet jam, just waiting for you to experience their magic. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making these delightful bites of nostalgia!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 12 minutes
- Total Duration: 22 minutes
- Portion Size: About 24 cookies
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 100 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fats: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a flashback to the carefree days of childhood. With a chewy and soft texture, these cookies are perfectly flavored with peanut butter and sweetened just right with your choice of jelly. Each bite is a delicious blend of nutty richness and fruity goodness, making them an irresistible snack for any time of the day. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Baking these cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about enjoying the journey along the way. From the satisfying mix of peanut butter and sugar to the sweet surprise of jelly nestled in the center, every step is enjoyable. You and your loved ones will have a blast as you blend, scoop, and bake, creating beautiful memories in the kitchen. And trust me, watching them emerge from the oven is pure magic!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam (flavor of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, grab your trusty oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those cookies perfectly baked and ready to rise!
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, bring together one cup of peanut butter, one cup of granulated sugar, and that large egg. Mix until the mixture is silky smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Enhance the Flavor
Next up, stir in the baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. These ingredients will add depth and flavor to your cookies, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Time to start shaping! Grab a spoon and drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space for them to spread!
Step 5: Make an Indentation
Now comes the fun part! Use your thumb to press gently into the center of each cookie, creating a small indentation that will soon hold a delightful dollop of jelly.
Step 6: Fill with Jelly
Fill the little cups you’ve just created with a small amount of jelly or jam. Feel free to get creative with flavors—grape, raspberry, or strawberry will all work beautifully!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies in your preheated oven and let them bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. The anticipation will build as the aroma fills your home!
Step 8: Cool Down
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set perfectly while maintaining that chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies make for a fantastic afternoon snack, paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. You can also serve them during a casual gathering or as part of a dessert platter. They’re delightful to pair with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Measuring Peanut Butter: To make it easier to measure peanut butter, try lightly greasing your measuring cup with cooking spray.
- Jelly Options: Don’t hesitate to mix and match flavors of jelly or jam for varied taste experiences.
- Baking in Batches: If you have a larger batch of dough, feel free to bake them in batches to keep things fresh and warm!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Get creative! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture. You could also top each cookie with a drizzle of melted chocolate once they’ve cooled for a decadent twist!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be aware that natural peanut butter can be runnier. It may affect the final texture, so consider adding a bit more sugar if needed. -
What if I don’t have jelly?
No problem! Nutella, chocolate ganache, or even a spoonful of caramel can also work beautifully in place of jelly. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a slight golden edge. They will continue to cook a bit after coming out of the oven. -
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure the peanut butter and any optional add-ins are gluten-free. -
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking, as this can help them hold their shape better!
Wrapping Up
Baking Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies is a delightful way to mix nostalgia with creativity. As you savor each bite of these rich, chewy treats, you’ll find yourself transported to simpler times filled with joy and laughter. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment to yourself, these cookies remind us of the pure magic of home cooking. So, roll up your sleeves, create lasting memories, and indulge in the delightful sweetness of these homemade cookies! Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter cookies filled with your favorite jelly for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam (flavor of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.
- Add baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Press a thumb into the center of each cookie to make an indentation.
- Fill each indentation with jelly or jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
