Name: Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies: Chewy Nostalgia in Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 stick Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and moisture; melted.); 1 cup Creamy Natural Peanut Butter (Provides flavor; stir well before measuring.); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Adds sweetness; can use dark brown for richer flavor.); ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the cookies.); 2 ¾ cups Bleached All-Purpose Flour (Gives structure; critical for optimum texture.); ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda (Leavening agent for perfect rise.); ½ teaspoon Baking Powder (Helps cookies rise.); ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Balances sweetness.); 2 large Eggs (At room temperature.); 1 tablespoon Milk (Enhances dough texture.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Adds depth to flavor.); ¾ cup Strawberry Jam or Jelly (Chilled; can substitute with grape or raspberry.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the smell of melting butter mingling with the rich aroma of peanut butter, memories of childhood flooded back. These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are more than just a nostalgic treat; they’re a delightful and simple way to return to those carefree days. With a soft and chewy texture that’s impeccably paired with fruity strawberry jam, this recipe is not only quick and easy to whip up, but it also requires no mixer—perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, they’re a fun, cozy comfort food that the whole family will adore. Are you ready to create some sweet memories?

Why Are These Cookies Irresistible?

Nostalgic flavors will transport you back to childhood with every bite of these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies. Quick and easy to make, they require no mixer, making them perfect for busy home cooks. Versatile enough to experiment with different jams or nut butters for a unique twist. Plus, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or cozy evening treats. For another sweet fix, check out my delicious Tiramisu Cookies Steal for a unique dessert option!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Unsalted Butter (1 stick/113 grams) – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled.
• Creamy Natural Peanut Butter (1 cup/270 grams) – Provides a delightful peanut butter flavor; stir well to combine before measuring for the best taste.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup/200 grams) – Adds sweetness and moisture; can be swapped with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup/150 grams) – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
• Bleached All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups/349 grams) – Gives structure to the cookies; critical to use bleached flour for optimum texture.
• Baking Soda (¾ teaspoon) – Functions as a leavening agent, giving the cookies that perfect rise.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon) – Works alongside baking soda to help the cookies rise.
• Fine Sea Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Large Eggs (2, at room temperature) – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Milk (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the dough’s texture for a soft bite.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Adds depth and complexity to flavor.

For the Filling
• Strawberry Jam or Jelly (¾ cup/240 grams, chilled) – Provides a sweet and fruity burst; can substitute with grape or raspberry for a twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This preparation is crucial for creating the perfect environment for your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies to bake evenly and achieve that delightful crispiness on the edges.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Peanut Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of unsalted butter for about 30 to 45 seconds until completely melted. Remove it from the microwave and stir in the creamy natural peanut butter until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. The warmth of the melted butter will help blend the peanut butter beautifully, creating a luxurious base for your cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Sugars and Cool
Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the peanut butter mixture, whisking until fully incorporated. This should take about 1–2 minutes. Allow this blend to cool slightly until it’s warm, not hot, which is the ideal temperature for incorporating the eggs and ensuring they don’t scramble when added.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs, Milk, and Vanilla
Once the mixture has cooled, add the two large room-temperature eggs, one tablespoon of milk, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients in until fully combined, creating a rich and velvety batter. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together while the vanilla adds a depth of flavor to your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the bleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure to combine thoroughly but without overmixing. Your dough should begin to form into a cohesive texture at this stage.

Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), scoop the dough and roll it into smooth balls in your hands. Each cookie should have a nice, round shape. Utilizing a cookie scoop ensures that all your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies will be uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Create Thumbprint Wells
Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading. With your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a well in the center of each ball. This is where the delicious jam will go later, so ensure it’s deep enough to hold a satisfying amount of filling.

Step 8: Fill with Jam
Spoon a heaping teaspoon of chilled strawberry jam into the well of each cookie dough ball, allowing some jam to peek out, creating a delightful visual. This step is essential for ensuring a burst of jam flavor in every bite of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies, reminiscent of a childhood favorite sandwich.

Step 9: Partially Seal and Re-roll
Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to partially seal the jam inside, then re-roll each filled ball gently to ensure an even round shape. This will help keep the delicious jam contained while baking, allowing you to enjoy gooey centers as you bite into each cookie.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 13-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as the cookies will continue to firm up once they’re out of the oven. The chewy center and crispy edges are what make these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies truly irresistible.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it helps the cookies set properly. After cooling slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying your delightful, nostalgic treat.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

The delightful combination of flavors and textures in these cookies calls for equally satisfying pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.

Cold Milk: Comforting and creamy, the classic glass of milk enhances the nostalgic flavor of the cookies, making each bite even more satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful creaminess that balances the chewy cookie with a cool, sweet contrast. Perfect for creating your own PB&J a la mode!
Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a medley of berries and melons adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich peanut butter perfectly. It’s a great way to balance out the sweetness!
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso brings out the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies, creating a delightful adult twist for your afternoon treat. Pairing is perfect for cozy mornings.
Chocolate Chip Brownies: For a decadent dessert platter, serve these cookies alongside fudgy brownies for a delightful contrast of textures—soft and chewy with a rich chocolatey finish.
Nutty Granola Bars: Serve with homemade or store-bought nutty granola bars for a wholesome twist that harmonizes with the cookie’s peanut butter base. It’s a great, energy-boosting snack!
Homemade Strawberry Milkshake: Blend strawberries with milk and a hint of ice cream for a refreshingly sweet drink that echoes the cookies’ flavor profile. An irresistible pairing to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Cup of Tea: A comforting cup of herbal or chai tea adds a fragrant warmth that nicely offsets the sweetness of the cookies while enhancing the overall experience. A perfect afternoon companion!
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For an indulgent twist, serve a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. Who could resist a peanut butter and chocolate pairing?

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be aware they might lose some of their softness.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easy access to freshly baked Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies whenever you crave them.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies, briefly microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Perfect Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for a real peanut flavor; just be sure to mix it well to avoid any oily spots in your cookie dough.
Proper Flour Choice: Using bleached all-purpose flour is essential—unbleached may lead to dry cookies. If you must use unbleached, reduce by 1-2 tablespoons for optimal moisture.
Chill Your Jam: Starting with cold jam makes it easier to handle during assembly, preventing it from oozing out too much while baking and keeping your cookies beautifully intact.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies starting at 13 minutes; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
Cool Down: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them allows them to set, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Additionally, you can scoop the dough into balls and fill them with jam, then freeze them for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy these cookies, simply bake them straight from the refrigerator or frozen (adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time), and you’ll have warm, gooey treats that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you mix things up with these tasty twists!

Nut-Free Swap: Use sun butter instead of peanut butter for a delicious allergy-friendly option that everyone can enjoy.
Your cookies will still deliver the comforting nostalgia of childhood treats while being safe for school lunches.
Different Jam Flavors: Experiment with different types of jam or preserves—think grape, raspberry, or even apricot!
Each variety offers a unique flavor experience, letting you customize your cookies to match your mood or event.
Sugar Alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, lower-glycemic option.
This swap not only reduces calories but adds a hint of caramel flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.
Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is nothing short of heavenly, making these cookies even more indulgent.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cookie dough for a surprising kick.
This twist brings a delightful heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the jam.
Whole Wheat Flour: Swap part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
The more robust texture can offer a delightful contrast to the sweet jam center while making your treat a bit healthier.
Baked Jam Surprise: For a different twist, add the jam after baking instead of before; let it cool slightly and pipe into the center.
This creates a visually appealing and gooey filling that adds a layer of excitement with each bite.

Don’t forget, while you’re exploring these variations, our delicious Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pumpkin Oat Cookies are also fantastic for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peanut butter should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using creamy natural peanut butter. Be sure to stir it well to mix in any oil that may have separated. This will give your cookies a rich, authentic peanut butter taste.

How should I store leftover cookies?
You can store your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer a cooler treat, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, just keep in mind they might lose a bit of their softness in the fridge.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very much! To freeze the unbaked dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the balls into a zip-top bag. You can keep them for up to 1 month. Just take them out, and when you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw!

What if my cookies come out too dry?
If your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies turn out dry, it might be due to the flour measurement. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it directly. Additionally, using bleached flour is key for the chewy texture; unbleached might lead to drier cookies. If you’ve used unbleached, consider reducing the amount by 1-2 tablespoons.

Can my pets eat peanut butter?
While peanut butter in moderation is often safe for dogs, ensure you use a brand without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure, especially regarding any dietary restrictions your pets may have.

What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
No worries! You can substitute strawberry jam with any flavor jam or jelly you love. Grape, raspberry, or even apricot can bring a new twist to your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies. Experimenting with jam flavors adds a unique touch while keeping that beloved peanut butter base.