Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies 🍪🥜🍓
Deliciously Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with a Sweet Jelly Center
If peanut butter and jelly sandwiches defined your childhood, get ready to meet your new favorite cookie. These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies deliver all the flavor of the beloved lunchbox combo in a soft, chewy dessert form. With just a few pantry staples and your favorite jelly, you can whip up a batch of these thumbprint-style cookies in under 30 minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s nothing fancy here—just wholesome nostalgia with a modern cookie twist. I love this recipe because it’s:
- Made with only 3 base ingredients
- Naturally gluten-free (no flour needed!)
- Customizable with any jelly or jam you like
- The perfect sweet snack for after-school, parties, or weekend baking
They give the same cozy vibes as these peanut butter brownies, but in bite-sized form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup jelly (grape, raspberry, strawberry—your pick!)
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Use chunky peanut butter for a nuttier texture
- Swap in honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar alternative (adjust consistency)
- Fill with Nutella, apple butter, or lemon curd instead of jelly for a fun twist
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty balance
How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and fully combined.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
4. Add the Jelly
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jelly.
5. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden and just set. Don’t overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool.
6. Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Cookie Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest dough.
- If the dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes before shaping.
- Don’t overfill with jelly—it will spread during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with:
- A glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Coffee or hot chocolate cookie cups for a cozy dessert night
- Served alongside a batch of rainbow sprinkle cookies at a bake sale or party
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough Balls: Shape and freeze before baking. Just add a couple minutes to the bake time.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze in layers with parchment between. Thaw at room temp.
More Cookies You’ll Love
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies
- Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Easy Coconut Macaroons
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are simple, nostalgic, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping up a last-minute dessert, or just craving a sweet bite of childhood, this recipe never fails.
Try them and tell me—what jelly flavor did you use? Tag @chefmaniac and follow along for more cozy, creative cookie recipes. 🍪🥜✨
