Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Ah, the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly! It’s a duo that brings back so many fond memories of childhood lunches and cozy afternoons. Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe that transforms this beloved pairing into a scrumptious cookie. Get ready to enjoy these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, a treat that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup jelly or jam (strawberry, grape, or your favorite flavor)

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined with the butter and sugar mixture.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined.
6. Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Create indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
8. Add the jelly: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jelly or jam.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them to keep the centers soft.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

• Flavor Variety: For a fun twist, use different flavors of jelly or jam for a variety of tastes in one batch.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
• Extra Touch: For an extra touch, drizzle melted peanut butter over the cooled cookies for added flair and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nut-Free Option: If you have a peanut allergy, try substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Healthier Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chunky peanut butter? Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies.

Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls (without the jelly) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add the jelly and bake as directed.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Make sure your butter is at room temperature, not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

More Delicious Recipes

If you loved these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, be sure to try some of our other delightful recipes:

• Chocolate Mousse Brownies: A rich and decadent treat perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake: A delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and classic pecan pie.
• Chocolate Kiss Cookies: Sweet and simple cookies topped with a chocolate kiss.

Enjoy baking and savor every bite of these nostalgic and scrumptious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies! 🥜🍓🍪

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