PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgia of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, a sweet treat that takes your favorite childhood sandwich and transforms it into a delicious dessert! Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a delightful combination of soft peanut butter cookie dough and a burst of sweet jelly filling. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavor: Experience the classic taste of peanut butter and jelly in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Filling: Use your favorite jelly flavor to customize the cookies to your liking.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, picnics, or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy cookies that are both soft and chewy, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with your PB&J Stuffed Cookies, gather your essential tools. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly, which ensures consistent flavor throughout the cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming the butter and sugars, leading to better texture in your cookies.
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
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 Jelly 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 Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until you form a smooth dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough. Flatten each scoop into discs. Place half of these discs onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc, place about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jelly.
Step 8: Seal with Another Disc
Top each filled disc with another disc of dough. Press edges together to seal tightly. Use a fork to gently press down on the edges for decoration.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Cool
Allow cookies to cool 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!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
These PB&J Stuffed Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dessert experience or make them an exciting snack for any occasion.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that never fails. Dip your cookie in cold milk for a creamy, nostalgic experience.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Transform your cookies into ice cream sandwiches. Just add a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Warm with Extra Jelly
- Serve the cookies warm and drizzle some extra jelly on top for added sweetness and flavor.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair these cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter and jelly flavors.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include these cookies on a dessert platter along with other treats like brownies and bars for variety at gatherings.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Perfecting your PB&J Stuffed Cookies can elevate your baking game. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
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Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
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Allow Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps set their shape.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Serving PB&J Stuffed Cookies can be even more delightful when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can refresh your palate after enjoying these sweet cookies. -
Vanilla Ice Cream
The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies for a comforting dessert. -
Chocolate Milkshake
A rich chocolate milkshake provides a delightful contrast to the peanut butter flavor in your cookies. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthy side that balances out the sweetness of the cookies. -
Nut Mix
A simple bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and protein, making it an excellent balance to soft cookies. -
Coffee or Tea
Brewed coffee or tea complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing your overall dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients – Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step – Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, leading to better-shaped cookies.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Use a spoon to fluff up your flour and then spoon it into your measuring cup. This prevents heavy cookies from too much flour.
- Ignoring baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies! Overbaking can dry them out; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store PB&J Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely; you don’t want it too hot!
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about PB&J Stuffed Cookies that might help you while baking.
Can I use different flavors of jelly in PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize your PB&J Stuffed Cookies with any flavor of jelly you prefer, like raspberry or apricot.
How do I prevent my PB&J Stuffed Cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking is key! It helps maintain their shape while baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How do I know when my PB&J Stuffed Cookies are done?
Look for golden edges while keeping the center soft. The cookies will continue cooking slightly after removing them from the oven.
Final Thoughts
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are not just delicious; they also bring back nostalgic memories of childhood treats. With their soft peanut butter base and sweet jelly filling, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different jellies or mix-ins for even more fun!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, where childhood favorites meet gourmet baking. These cookies combine a soft peanut butter cookie dough with a luscious jelly filling, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself, they are easy to make and customizable with your favorite jelly flavors. Each bite delivers the comforting taste of classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, making these cookies a heartwarming dessert option for any occasion.
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 or strawberry)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until smooth dough forms.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten into discs, and place half on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of jelly in the center of each disc.
- Top with another disc of dough and press edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to create decorative edges.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
