Quick Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe

My Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies take that nostalgic sandwich flavor and turn it into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Whether you use strawberry, grape, or raspberry jam, these thumbprint-style sweets are a hit with kids and adults alike. I love baking a fresh batch whenever I need a little taste of home.

Why This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe is a Keeper

These cookies offer the perfect texture contrast between the crisp edges and the soft, jam-filled center. You get a double dose of flavor that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to pull together.

It is a versatile recipe that lets you customize the filling based on whatever jar is currently in your pantry. I personally enjoy swapping between apricot preserves and classic grape jelly to keep things interesting.

Making these is also a wonderful way to get little ones involved in the kitchen since pressing the centers is so much fun. The result is a colorful platter that disappears from the counter almost as fast as it comes out of the oven.

If you love fruit-filled treats, you should definitely try my Hearty Lemon Meltaway Cookies Recipe next. For another nutty option, the Zesty Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies Recipe is absolutely delicious.

Everything You Need for Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Here are the pantry staples you will need to gather:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the main structure for the cookie dough.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and brown nicely.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure this is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
• Light-brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: I recommend a standard commercial brand like Jif for the best texture.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic background note.
• Fruit spread: Use your favorite jam or jelly, such as strawberry or raspberry.

My Method for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Let’s get baking with these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
2. Cream the butter and sugars in a stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies base ingredient, the peanut butter, followed by the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, then remove from the oven and immediately press a teaspoon into the center to create a well.
7. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before spooning your chosen jam into the indented centers.

My Best Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Use creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy rather than natural varieties that require stirring. The oil separation in natural brands can make the dough too crumbly or greasy.

Make the indentations immediately after taking the pan out of the oven while the dough is still soft. If you wait too long, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies might crack when you press down.

Let the cookies cool completely before adding the jam filling. If the cookie is still warm, the fruit spread will melt and soak into the dough, making it soggy.

How I Like to Serve This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

These colorful treats look beautiful arranged on a white platter for afternoon tea or a school bake sale. I love serving them with a tall glass of cold milk to complement the rich peanut butter flavor.

You can also pack these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies in a sturdy container for picnics or road trips. They hold up well and provide a sweet energy boost when you are on the go.

For more tasty inspiration and meal ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest.