PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgic taste of PB&J Stuffed Cookies! These cookies are a fun twist on a classic favorite, combining soft peanut butter cookie dough with sweet jelly filling. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. With their chewy texture and flavor-packed filling, these cookies stand out as a delightful dessert option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This PB&J stuffed cookies recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels. You can whip them up in just 35 minutes!
- Deliciously Nostalgic: Enjoy the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and jelly in a new form that evokes childhood memories.
- Customizable Filling: Use your favorite jelly flavor—grape, strawberry, or even raspberry—to make these cookies uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Everyone will love these tasty treats!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies have a perfect chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet jelly filling.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious PB&J stuffed cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to easily combine ingredients without any mess.
- Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden edge.
- Parchment paper: Using 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 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
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 the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until you form a smooth dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into discs. Place half of these discs onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Jelly
In each disc’s center, add about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jelly.
Step 7: Seal the Cookies
Top each filled disc with another dough disc. Press around the edges to seal them well. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge if desired.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 9: Cool
Allow cooling on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked PB&J stuffed cookies as an indulgent treat!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
These PB&J stuffed cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Here are some suggestions to enjoy them even more.
With a Glass of Milk
- Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Frozen Delight: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist.
Warm and Fresh
- Freshly Baked: Enjoy these cookies warm right out of the oven. The jelly filling will be gooey and irresistible.
With Fresh Fruit
- Fruity Contrast: Pair the cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing balance.
As Party Favors
- Sweet Gifts: Package them in decorative bags as party favors for birthdays or gatherings to share the joy.
Coffee Companion
- Perfect Match: Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To ensure your PB&J stuffed cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
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Chill the Dough If Necessary: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges to maintain softness.
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Store Properly: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh longer.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
These PB&J stuffed cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s texture.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge with a thick chocolate milkshake that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter flavor.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess complements the cookie’s sweetness.
- Granola Bars: For a crunchy contrast, serve homemade or store-bought granola bars alongside.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer warm caramel sauce as a dip; it enhances the cookie’s flavors with its rich sweetness.
- Hot Cocoa: Warm hot cocoa is perfect for dipping and adds cozy vibes to your snack time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the texture of your cookies.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scoop and level the flour rather than packing it into the measuring cup. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Skipping Chilling Time: If you have time, chill the dough before baking. This helps maintain the shape of the cookies and enhances their flavor.
- Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies for easy separation.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat for about 2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making PB&J Stuffed Cookies.
Can I use different types of jelly for PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
Yes, feel free to experiment with any jelly or jam flavors you enjoy! Strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot work wonderfully.
How do I know when my PB&J Stuffed Cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free PB&J Stuffed Cookies.
What can I add to customize my PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or oatmeal for extra texture and flavor variations!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Final Thoughts
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are not only nostalgic but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various fillings and add-ins. They make a delightful treat perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Try this recipe today, and savor every bite!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the delightful fusion of a classic childhood favorite with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies envelop a luscious jelly filling, creating a treat that brings joy to both kids and adults. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or cozy afternoons, this recipe is not only simple to make but also allows for customization with your favorite jelly flavors. Whether paired with a cold glass of milk or enjoyed warm from the oven, these cookies are sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones. Gather your ingredients and let’s bake up some smiles!
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 (grape, strawberry, or preferred flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix 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 about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten into discs on the prepared baking sheet—half for the base and half for topping.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of jelly in the center of each disc before sealing with another disc of dough. Press edges to seal well.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
