PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgic taste of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, where soft peanut butter cookie dough envelops a sweet jelly filling. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring joy to kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing snacks for school, or simply indulging in a treat, these cookies stand out with their delicious flavor and fun presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Nostalgic Flavor: Experience the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly in every bite, evoking fond childhood memories.
- Versatile Choices: Experiment with different jelly flavors like grape, strawberry, or raspberry for unique variations.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at gatherings or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delightful PB&J Stuffed Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie scoop: A scoop helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
To make your delicious PB&J Stuffed Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie 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 the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together:
Creamy peanut butter
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add:
Egg
Vanilla extract
Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until you form a smooth dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten into discs. Place half of the discs onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc, add 1 teaspoon of your preferred jelly.
Step 7: Top Off with Dough Discs
Top each jelly-filled disc with another dough disc. Press the edges to seal, then gently press down with a fork for decoration.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Step 9: Cool
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have delicious PB&J Stuffed Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Serving PB&J stuffed cookies can elevate your dessert experience. These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creamy milk complements the rich peanut butter and sweet jelly perfectly.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious sundae twist.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies before serving.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies and fruit for a colorful spread.
Gift Them in a Jar
- Layer the cookies in a mason jar for an adorable gift idea. Perfect for friends or family who love sweet surprises!
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To make your PB&J stuffed cookies even better, follow these simple tips:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth dough and promotes even baking.
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Chill the Dough: If possible, chill your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
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Experiment with Jelly Flavors: While grape is classic, try raspberry or apricot jelly for a fun flavor twist that could surprise your taste buds.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out.
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Add Nuts: For an added crunch, mix in some chopped peanuts into the dough. This will enhance that peanut butter flavor while adding texture.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Pairing side dishes with PB&J stuffed cookies can enhance your snack time. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s flavors.
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Chocolate Milkshake: This indulgent drink pairs perfectly, enhancing the nostalgic feel of peanut butter and jelly.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix featuring nuts and dried fruits provides contrast to the soft cookie texture.
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Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip: This combination echoes the cookie’s flavors while offering a healthy crunch.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to balance out the sweetness with savory notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making PB&J stuffed cookies can be a fun experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to cookies that are either too dry or undercooked. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect results.
- Skipping the chilling step – If you don’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing the dough too much can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft and chewy cookie.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Improper measurements can alter the recipe. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy, especially with flour and sugars.
- Using low-quality jelly – The filling is crucial for flavor. Opt for high-quality jelly that complements the peanut butter flavor for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them in a single layer to avoid sticking.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individually on medium power for 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding PB&J stuffed cookies.
How do I make PB&J stuffed cookies vegan?
You can substitute egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Can I use other types of jelly?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any flavor of jelly you prefer, such as raspberry or apricot.
What makes PB&J stuffed cookies unique?
The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly inside soft cookie dough creates a nostalgic and delicious treat.
Can I double this PB&J stuffed cookies recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use multiple baking sheets if needed.
Final Thoughts
PB&J stuffed cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different jams or add chocolate chips for extra flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or sharing them with friends, these cookies bring joy and comfort in every bite. Try making them today!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic delight of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, where soft and chewy peanut butter cookie dough surrounds a luscious jelly filling. This delightful treat is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an ideal addition to any gathering or a sweet snack for school lunches. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these scrumptious cookies that evoke fond childhood memories with every bite. Whether you prefer classic grape jelly or want to experiment with strawberry or raspberry flavors, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Bake up a batch today and share joy with family and friends!
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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jelly (grape or strawberry)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop out two tablespoons of dough and flatten it into discs; place half of them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add one teaspoon of jelly in the center of each disc.
- Top each with another disc of dough, sealing the edges by pressing down gently with a fork.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
