If you love the classic PB&J sandwich, you’re going to adore these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies! Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are sandwiched together with sweet, fruity jelly for the ultimate childhood-inspired dessert. Perfect for snacks, parties, lunchbox treats, or even a fancy peanut butter cookie platter, these cookies bring a fun twist to a nostalgic favorite.
Whether you’re baking with jam, looking for easy box dessert recipes, or just want a simple peanut butter cookie with a jelly surprise, this recipe is quick, foolproof, and bursting with flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
✔️ Perfectly Chewy Texture – Soft peanut butter cookies with a creamy jelly center.
✔️ Kid-Friendly & Nostalgic – A fun twist on the classic PB&J sandwich.
✔️ Customizable – Use different jams, nut butters, or even add a drizzle of chocolate!
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Works as a snack, dessert, or even a PB&J appetizer at parties.
Ingredients Needed
To make these PB&J cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Jelly Filling:
- ½ cup strawberry or grape jelly (or your favorite jam)
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- A drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
✔️ Electric mixer – To cream the butter and sugar.
✔️ Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔️ Baking sheets – To bake the cookies evenly.
✔️ Cookie cutter or round mold – If making sandwich cookies.
✔️ Cooling rack – To let cookies cool before assembling.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Shape & Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once cooled, spread 1 teaspoon of jelly on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with another cookie and gently press together to create a PB&J sandwich cookie.
Step 5: Optional Garnishes
For a fancy touch, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate, or roll the edges in crushed peanuts.
Best Jams & Jellies for Baking
Wondering which jelly works best for baking with jam? Here are some delicious options:
✔️ Strawberry Jam – A classic choice for a sweet and fruity pairing.
✔️ Grape Jelly – The ultimate PB&J flavor combination.
✔️ Raspberry Preserves – Adds a tangy twist.
✔️ Apricot Jam – A unique, slightly tart flavor that complements peanut butter well.
✔️ Fig Jam – A fancy upgrade for an elegant dessert.
Tips for Perfect PB&J Cookies
✔️ Chill the Dough – Prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
✔️ Use Room Temperature Butter – Helps achieve a smooth, even dough.
✔️ Choose the Right Jelly – Thicker jams work best to avoid a runny filling.
✔️ Want Crunchier Cookies? – Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🍪 PB&J Thumbprint Cookies – Instead of sandwiching, press a thumbprint in each cookie and fill with jelly before baking.
🍫 Chocolate PB&J Cookies – Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
🌿 Healthier Version – Use almond butter and whole wheat flour for a nutritious twist.
🌰 Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
🍯 PB&J Cookie Bars – Press dough into a pan, spread jelly on top, and bake for an easy bar version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the Chilling Step – The dough will spread too much if not chilled.
🚫 Overfilling with Jelly – Too much jelly can make the cookies messy and difficult to eat.
🚫 Overmixing the Dough – Can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
🚫 Not Letting Cookies Cool – Assembling while warm can cause the jelly to melt and leak.
How to Store & Freeze Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
Storing:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
- Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies in a single layer with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🥛 With a Glass of Milk – The classic PB&J experience.
🍦 With Ice Cream – Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fun dessert.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A great balance for the sweetness.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Complements the fruitiness of the jelly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds great texture to the cookies.
❓ Can I use almond or cashew butter instead?
Absolutely! Almond butter works well with raspberry jam, and cashew butter pairs nicely with apricot preserves.
❓ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
❓ Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes! Use pre-made peanut butter cookie dough to save time, then add the jelly filling.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are a fun, nostalgic, and easy dessert that will bring smiles to kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking with butter, making fancy peanut butter cookies, or looking for an easy box dessert recipe, this PB&J treat is a must-try!
If you made these cookies, leave a comment below and share your results! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more creative baking ideas!
PrintPeanut Butter and Jelly Cookies : Nostalgic & Delicious
If you love the classic PB&J sandwich, you’re going to adore these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies!
- Prep Time: 12
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 27
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Jelly Filling:
- ½ cup strawberry or grape jelly (or your favorite jam)
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- A drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Once cooled, spread 1 teaspoon of jelly on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with another cookie and gently press together to create a PB&J sandwich cookie.
For a fancy touch, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate, or roll the edges in crushed peanuts.
Notes
✔️ Chill the Dough – Prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
✔️ Use Room Temperature Butter – Helps achieve a smooth, even dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich Cookies