Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe combines two classic flavors in one soft, chewy treat. Rich peanut butter pairs beautifully with sweet fruit jelly. These cookies are simple, cozy and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry or grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk them together until evenly combined. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the peanut butter mixture.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Add softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to a large bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. This creates a soft base for the cookie dough.
Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl so the mixture stays evenly blended.
Make the Cookie Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, because too much mixing can make cookies firm.
Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about one tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Roll the balls lightly in granulated sugar for a delicate sweet crust.
Create the Centers
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create a shallow center.
Add the Jelly
- Spoon about half a teaspoon of jelly into each cookie center. Avoid overfilling the cookies because the jelly can spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Do not overbake, as the cookies will firm while cooling.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth cookie dough.
- Choose thick jelly to prevent excessive spreading.
- Do not overfill the cookie centers.
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Avoid overbaking the cookies.
- Let cookies cool before moving them.
- Try raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry jelly.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Add a little cinnamon for warm flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the cookies before baking.
- Add a few chocolate chips for a richer variation.