If you grew up loving the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then you are going to absolutely adore this Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the nostalgic flavors of that beloved combo but transform it into a fun, bite-sized treat. Imagine soft, chewy peanut butter cookies generously sandwiched with a sweet and fruity layer of jelly or jam, creating moments of pure happiness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a little self-indulgence, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a joyful step because each one plays a star role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tender textures. Simple but essential, these ingredients make the process both straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty base and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds a creamy richness that enhances texture and flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Brings a clean sweetness to the dough and helps with browning during baking.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses for depth and chewiness in the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies, balancing softness and sturdiness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup fruit jam or jelly (such as strawberry or grape): The sweet, fruity filling that makes these sandwich cookies irresistible.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Measure out your ingredients carefully to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because getting enough air into the dough will give you cookies that are tender yet hold their shape beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture and beat until everything is fully combined. This step enhances flavor and helps bind the dough together for perfect cookie texture.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening and seasoning in your dough, which promotes consistent texture and taste.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle but thorough.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into neat balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern—a signature look for peanut butter cookies that also helps them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye toward the end so they don’t overbake and lose their soft chewiness.
Step 8: Cool and Assemble the Sandwiches
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of your favorite jam or jelly on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Repeat until all cookies are transformed into delightful sandwich treats.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a small dollop of whipped cream on the side. A few fresh berries also add appealing color and a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit salad for a balanced dessert experience that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted jams or nut butters for dipping. They also make fantastic additions to a dessert platter or picnic basket, bringing a playful homemade charm that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks and sharing.
Freezing
To freeze, place the sandwich cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This brings out that fresh-baked softness and makes the jam even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cookies, giving them a little extra crunch that complements the soft cookie and jam filling perfectly.
What types of jam or jelly work best for this recipe?
Traditional flavors like strawberry and grape are classic choices, but you can get creative with raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jams. Just be sure to pick a spread with good consistency so it doesn’t make the cookies soggy.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but the cookies will still taste fantastic and retain their sandwich-cookie charm.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these sandwich cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. Beyond that, consider refrigerating or freezing to keep them from drying out.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This recipe scales well, so feel free to double or even triple it if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to use multiple baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about taking the simple, beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich and turning it into an irresistible cookie sandwich. This Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings that nostalgic magic to your kitchen with ease and joy. Give it a try and share the love — these cookies are sure to become a favorite for snack time, dessert, or whenever you need a sweet reminder of childhood happiness.
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies, combining the nostalgic flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet fruit jelly nestled between soft, buttery cookies. Perfect for a dessert that brings back childhood memories with a homemade twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ¾ cup fruit jam or jelly (such as strawberry or grape)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of cookies and prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, creating a light and creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which helps bind the ingredients and add flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Using a fork, gently flatten each ball in a crisscross pattern, which not only gives a traditional peanut butter cookie look but also ensures even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, or until edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness while keeping the centers soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up slightly for easier handling.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Once completely cooled, spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam or jelly on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, repeating with all cookies to create delightful sandwich treats.
Notes
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a textured bite.
- Swap strawberry or grape jelly for raspberry or apricot preserves to vary the flavor.
- To make gluten-free cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
