Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies Recipe

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

My latest kitchen experiment with peanut butter jelly stuffed cookies promises a delightful twist on childhood memories.

Sweet nostalgia meets unexpected culinary creativity in this irresistible treat.

Soft, chewy cookie exteriors conceal a surprise molten center bursting with classic flavor combinations.

Baking becomes an adventure when traditional sandwich elements merge into one decadent handheld dessert.

Comfort food takes on new meaning through these playful, indulgent morsels.

Each bite connects you to familiar flavors while introducing a clever contemporary approach.

These cookies will make you the star of any gathering, delivering pure deliciousness in every single crumb.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I use for the jelly filling?

Any fruit jam or preserve works great. Classic choices include strawberry, raspberry, grape, or blackberry jelly. Choose your favorite flavor to personalize the cookies.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. A standard mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic measuring tools are sufficient. A fork helps create the classic sealed edge design.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to work with.

PB&J Stuffed Cookies: Nostalgic & Fun

  • Surprise Inside Delight: Uncover a hidden burst of sweet jelly nestled within a classic peanut butter cookie, creating a playful and unexpected treat that will make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these cookies in no time with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a hassle-free dessert.
  • Nostalgic Comfort Treat: Enjoy a grown-up version of the beloved childhood sandwich, transformed into a delectable cookie that brings back warm memories while satisfying adult cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual snacking, these cookies appeal to all ages and work wonderfully as a sweet ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie dough.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds moisture and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
Binding and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
  • Flour: The primary structure ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Filling Ingredient:
  • Jelly: A sweet fruity spread that creates a delightful surprise in the center of the cookies.

How to Bake PB&J Stuffed Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350F (175C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Smooth peanut butter
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whip these together until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and irresistible.

Step 3: Enrich The Mixture

Crack an egg into the creamy base and pour in vanilla extract.

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined with no lumps.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Foundations

Scoop out generous portions of dough and flatten into round discs.

Place half of these discs on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between them.

Step 7: Add Sweet Surprise

Drop a small dollop of jelly right in the center of each cookie disc.

Choose your favorite jelly flavor for a personalized touch.

Step 8: Complete The Cookies

Cover each jelly-topped disc with another dough disc.

Press the edges together firmly to seal in the fruity filling.

Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a classic cookie look.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool And Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Get ready to experience a burst of peanut butter and jelly in every bite!

Top Tips for Gooey PB&J Centers

  • Select high-quality peanut butter and jelly with vibrant flavors for the most delicious cookies.
  • Use a small spoon to carefully center the jelly, preventing overflow during baking.
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to help cookies maintain their structure and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Swap regular jelly with low-sugar varieties for a healthier version without compromising taste.
  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor profiles and textures.

Flavorful Swaps for PB&J Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same soft cookie texture.
  • Almond Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty profile, creating a lighter, slightly milder cookie experience.
  • Vegan Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and select dairy-free jelly to create a completely plant-based version of the classic cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and choose a sugar-free fruit spread to reduce overall sugar content while preserving delicious flavor.

Serving Up Cookies for Smiles

  • Nostalgic Lunchbox Revival: Pack these cookies in school lunch boxes for a playful throwback to childhood sandwich memories.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with mini glasses of cold milk for stunning dessert presentation at gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside chamomile or Earl Grey tea for an elegant sweet treat that complements warm beverages beautifully.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Upgrade: Split the cookie and sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between for an indulgent summer dessert twist.

How to Keep PB&J Cookies Fresh

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled up to 5 days for maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature to prevent overcooking. Best when served slightly warm.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place cookies on baking sheet, warm for 3-5 minutes. Restores crispy edges and soft center without drying out cookies.
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Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Nostalgic childhood memories bloom with these peanut butter jelly stuffed cookies, blending sweet nostalgia and playful indulgence. Rich peanut butter dough envelops a surprise center of fruity jam, creating a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup grape or strawberry jelly (or preferred flavor)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace and set oven to 350°F (175°C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend peanut butter, softened butter, granulated and brown sugars until achieving a smooth, airy consistency.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated and mixture appears uniform.
  4. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute dry ingredients evenly.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, creating a cohesive, pliable dough.
  6. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion dough into 2-tablespoon segments, gently flattening each into circular discs.
  7. Arrange half of the dough discs on prepared baking sheet, creating a base layer for cookie construction.
  8. Delicately place a dollop of jelly at the center of each base disc, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Cover jelly-topped discs with remaining dough segments, carefully sealing edges by pressing and crimping with a fork.
  10. Transfer cookie sheet to preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until edges develop a golden-brown hue.
  11. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape.
  • Choose thick, low-moisture jelly to prevent leaking during baking and create cleaner cookie edges.
  • Try different nut butter alternatives like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor variations and dietary adaptations.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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