PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the nostalgic joy of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in cookie form, you’re going to adore this PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a sensational twist on the classic flavor combo, with soft, peanut butter cookie pockets hugging sweet, gooey jelly centers that burst with every bite. Whether you’re sending them in lunchboxes or enjoying them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk, these cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser that makes the familiar extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe are refreshingly simple, but each one plays an essential role to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy peanut butter lending rich nuttiness to the brown sugar adding a caramel depth, every element works together beautifully.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Choose a smooth variety for the best texture and flavor integration in the dough.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Softened butter ensures the dough stays tender and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and creates a lovely crumb.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, molasses note that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and pushes the dough to the ideal softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and provides a warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, giving it structure without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and aids in browning for that beautiful golden edge.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance out sweetness and boost all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup grape or strawberry jelly: The star filling—choose your favorite flavor or get creative with something new!

How to Make PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for baking cookies that come off easily and stay in perfect shape.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key to infusing air into the dough, resulting in cookies that are tender with just the right crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and measure out the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything comes together smoothly. These ingredients help bind the dough and add a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients evenly means they’ll be distributed perfectly through the dough, ensuring uniform texture and lift.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet peanut butter mixture. Stir just until the dough becomes smooth and comes together—avoid overmixing so your cookies stay tender and soft.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Discs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten into discs. Place half of these on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to expand. This is the base layer for your stuffed cookie.

Step 7: Add the Jelly Filling

Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of your chosen jelly into the center of each base disc. The jelly is the surprise inside, so don’t be shy with this step—it’s the heart of the PB&J experience!

Step 8: Seal the Cookies

Top each jelly-filled disc with another flattened dough disc. Press the edges together firmly to seal the jelly inside completely, which helps it stay gooey without oozing out during baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible and promises a perfect treat.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set so you can enjoy a clean bite with a luscious jelly center.

How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch. A few crushed peanuts on top before baking add delightful crunch and enhance the peanut flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall, cold glass of milk or creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent snack. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your treat time.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies stacked on a vintage plate tied with rustic twine for a charming gift or party platter. For a fun twist, try dipping one edge in melted chocolate and decorating with rainbow sprinkles or chopped nuts to make snack time extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover PB&J Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen up to 2 months and still taste freshly baked when thawed.

Reheating

To revive the melty jelly center and fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, gently warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This little trick brings back the irresistible gooeyness every time.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely crunch and a bit more texture to the cookies, but creamy is often preferred for that smooth, consistent dough.

What other types of jelly or jam work best in these cookies?

Strawberry and grape are classics, but feel free to experiment with raspberry, blackberry, or even marmalade for a unique flavor twist that complements the peanut butter wonderfully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for flour. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Are these cookies child-friendly?

Totally! The PB&J combo is a kid favorite, and this cookie version makes for a fun, less messy alternative. Just be mindful of any peanut allergies.

How do I prevent the jelly from leaking during baking?

Sealing the cookie edges firmly is crucial. Pinch the dough edges together tightly, and avoid overfilling with jelly. A well-sealed cookie will keep the jelly nicely inside while baking.

Final Thoughts

This PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to reimagine a beloved classic, turning simple ingredients into an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring anytime. Once you try these chewy, sweet, and nutty morsels filled with luscious jelly, I promise they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes. So go ahead, bake up a batch and enjoy that cozy slice of nostalgia all wrapped up in a cookie!

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