PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgia of childhood with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. Combining a soft peanut butter cookie dough with a sweet jelly filling, this recipe is perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack. These delightful treats are versatile enough for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual family gatherings. Enjoy the warm, gooey center and the satisfying crunch of the cookie exterior—a true classic brought to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Flavorful: The rich peanut butter paired with fruity jelly creates a delicious contrast that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Customizable: Feel free to choose your favorite jelly flavor or even swap out peanut butter for alternative nut butters.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends and family or package them as gifts!
- Nostalgic Treat: Reminisce about your childhood with every bite; these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this mouthwatering recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A must-have for easily combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution while baking your cookies to perfection.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Cookies featuring a soft peanut butter cookie dough and a sweet jelly filling. A fun, nostalgic treat!
For the Dough
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar, packed: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
For the Filling
- Grape or strawberry jelly (or preferred flavor): 1/2 cup
How to Make PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together:
1. Creamy peanut butter
2. Unsalted butter
3. Granulated sugar
4. Brown sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
– Egg
– Vanilla extract
Continue mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until you form a smooth dough.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into discs. Place half of these discs on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc, add approximately 1 teaspoon of jelly.
Step 7: Seal Cookies
Top each filled disc with another dough disc. Press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to gently press down on the edges for decoration.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 9: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade PB&J Stuffed Cookies! Perfectly chewy, sweet, and utterly satisfying!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Serving PB&J stuffed cookies offers a delightful twist to traditional cookie enjoyment. These cookies can be paired with various accompaniments that enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Milk
- Cold milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate milk: Adds a fun twist and a rich chocolate flavor that kids love.
As Dessert Sandwiches
- Ice cream sandwich: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
- Sliced strawberries: Layer fresh strawberries between cookies for a refreshing touch.
For Breakfast
- Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee to start your day on a sweet note.
- Smoothies: Serve alongside a fruit smoothie for a balanced breakfast option.
Gift Presentation
- Cookie jar: Present them in a decorative cookie jar as a charming gift.
- Gift box: Pack them in a colorful gift box with some additional treats for a thoughtful surprise.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To ensure your PB&J stuffed cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use quality jelly: Opt for high-quality jelly or jam for the best flavor inside the cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the timer; remove them from the oven when edges are just golden.
- Seal well: Ensure that you press the edges firmly to avoid any jelly leakage during baking.
- Experiment with flavors: Try different flavors of jelly or add chocolate chips for variety.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your PB&J stuffed cookies can elevate your snack time. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the richness of cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy side that complements the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies with hummus create an enjoyable munching experience alongside sweets.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts offers crunch and protein, making it a satisfying side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to cream properly with the peanut butter and sugars. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step: If your dough is too warm, cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough briefly before baking for better shape.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements matter. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can ruin your cookies. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperatures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat cookies individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other flavors of jelly?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of jelly you love—strawberry, raspberry, or even mixed berry work wonderfully!
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown but the center remains soft. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What should I pair with PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat!
Final Thoughts
PB&J Stuffed Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Their chewy texture and sweet filling make them irresistible. Feel free to customize the jelly flavor or add chocolate chips for extra sweetness! Enjoy baking these nostalgic treats that everyone will love.
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, a sweet twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. These cookies feature a soft, chewy peanut butter dough encasing a gooey jelly filling that will transport you back to your childhood with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual snacks, these homemade treats are easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite jelly flavors. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with a glass of milk, these cookies promise to satisfy your sweet cravings and bring smiles to everyone around!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jelly (your choice of flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop about two tablespoons of dough and flatten into discs. Place half the discs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add a teaspoon of jelly in the center of each disc.
- Top each filled disc with another dough disc and press edges to seal; use a fork to gently crimp edges for decoration.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
