Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgic treat that combines two beloved classics, these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are everything you’ve been craving. Imagine the soft chew of a homemade peanut butter cookie, sandwiched around a sweet, gooey layer of jam—every bite tastes like the very best parts of childhood, but with a bakery-worthy twist. They’re simple enough for a weekday craving but impressive enough to share at a party. Each cookie is a perfect mix of salty, sweet, and fruity flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these cookies is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role. From the creamy peanut butter that brings richness, to the jewel-toned jam that adds a burst of color and flavor, every element works together to create the ultimate Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies experience.
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that classic, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cookies bake up tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a bit of crispness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Lends a subtle caramel note and extra chewiness.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, soft cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies hold their sandwich shape.
- Baking soda: Ensures a gentle rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut flavor.
- Raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite jelly): Brings that fruity, nostalgic punch—feel free to experiment with different flavors!
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps guarantee even baking and makes cleanup a total breeze. Make sure your butter is softened so everything mixes together smoothly from the start.
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key to a soft, tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well incorporated. The dough will look smooth and slightly glossy at this point, which means you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Try not to over-mix—this keeps the cookies soft and tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern for that classic peanut butter cookie look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam or jelly onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Repeat until every cookie is paired up and filled with fruity goodness.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
For a playful finishing touch, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. You can even roll the edges in finely chopped peanuts for extra crunch and a pretty presentation—these little details make your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies look as great as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, of course! If you want to turn them into a full dessert plate, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside coffee or tea for a grown-up twist on a kid favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in clear jars for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. You can also cut out the centers of half the cookies before baking and sandwich with jam, so the colorful filling peeks through—these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies will be the star of any dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies stay soft and the flavors meld together even more—if they last that long! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place the assembled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for emergency cookie cravings!
Reheating
Enjoy these cookies at room temperature, or, for a gooier center, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving. A quick warm-up brings back that just-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture and extra peanutty bites throughout the cookies. Just keep in mind that the cookies may be a bit more rustic looking, which can be quite charming.
What other types of jam work well in these cookies?
While raspberry and strawberry are classic, grape, apricot, or even blueberry jam are all delicious options. Feel free to mix and match to create your own signature Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before shaping and baking for best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If your kitchen is warm or your butter is extra soft, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps keep the cookies thick and chewy—perfect for sandwiching with jam.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Kids love rolling the dough and making the fork marks, and assembling the sandwiches with jam is a fun, hands-on task. Just be ready for a little sticky fingers and lots of smiles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings together the best of classic comfort and playful creativity, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages—give them a try and let your inner kid rejoice!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies combine creamy peanut butter cookies with a sweet, fruity jam filling, creating a nostalgic and delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich. Perfectly soft with a hint of crunch and a burst of jelly in every bite, they are a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite jelly)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough will have structure and flavor depth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Crisscross the Cookies: Flatten each cookie ball slightly with a fork, creating a classic crisscross pattern which also helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Completely: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the jam from melting when added.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam onto the bottom side of one cookie and gently sandwich with another cookie on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Serve and Store: Repeat the assembly until all cookies are paired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
- For a crunchy texture, roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
- Experiment with different jam flavors such as grape, apricot, or blackberry for variety.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before adding jam to prevent it from melting and absorbing into the cookies.
- Store assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
