PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgia of childhood with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. They combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and sweet jelly in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for birthday parties, school lunches, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Their unique filling and comforting taste make them an irresistible treat that brings back fond memories while creating new ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
- Nostalgic Flavor: The classic combination of peanut butter and jelly evokes cherished memories from childhood.
- Versatile Filling Options: Customize your cookies with your favorite jelly or jam flavor, whether it’s grape, strawberry, or something unique.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gatherings, making them a delightful gift or dessert for friends and family.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy a deliciously soft bite that pairs perfectly with the sweet jelly center.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand will make preparing these PB&J Stuffed Cookies a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop: This tool provides uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.
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 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 to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add:
– The large egg
– Vanilla extract
Mix well until fully combined into your dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
– Stir until a smooth dough forms without overmixing.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about:
– 2 tablespoons of dough
– Flatten each piece into discs on your prepared baking sheet.
Place half of these discs onto the sheet.
Step 7: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc:
– Spoon in about 1 teaspoon of jelly as your filling.
Step 8: Seal the Cookies
Top each filled disc with another dough disc:
– Press edges to seal securely.
– Use a fork to create decorative patterns on top if desired.
Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven:
– For about 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for:
– Approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade PB&J Stuffed Cookies!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
PB&J stuffed cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a party dessert, these cookies can bring smiles all around.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Twist: Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Presentation: Arrange your PB&J stuffed cookies on a colorful platter with other treats for parties and gatherings.
Warmed Up
- Serving Tip: Heat them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey jelly filling.
With Fresh Fruit
- Balance: Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas to add a refreshing touch.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To achieve the best PB&J stuffed cookies, follow these simple tips to enhance your baking experience.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
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Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you thicker cookies.
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Experiment with Jellies: Try different jelly flavors like raspberry or blueberry to find your favorite combination.
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Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
These delicious cookies pair well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your PB&J stuffed cookies perfectly.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that pairs well with cookie flavors.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as cheddar or brie, brings a savory component that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
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Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combo of pretzels dipped in chocolate is an irresistible side dish.
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Nut Butter Dip: Serve with apple slices and nut butter for additional peanut flavor while keeping it healthy.
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Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars can serve as a satisfying texture contrast when enjoyed alongside the soft cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking PB&J Stuffed Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for achieving the best results. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
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Skipping the Butter Softening: Failing to soften your butter makes it hard to cream with the sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always soften your butter to room temperature for a light texture.
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Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
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Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups/spoons properly for each ingredient.
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Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can affect how well they incorporate into the dough. Always use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store PB&J Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; keep an eye on them to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are delicious treats made from soft peanut butter cookie dough filled with sweet jelly, reminiscent of classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
How do I customize my PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
You can experiment with different types of jelly like raspberry or blueberry, or even try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your jelly is also gluten-free.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, PB&J Stuffed Cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator and three months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These PB&J Stuffed Cookies offer a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite, making them perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings, making them enjoyable for everyone. Try this recipe today and indulge in a delightful treat that brings joy with every bite!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. Combining the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of your favorite jelly, these soft and chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy afternoon snacks. Easy to make and customizable with various jam flavors, these cookies are sure to bring back cherished childhood memories while creating new ones. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, each bite offers a comforting taste that will leave everyone craving more.
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 the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten into discs on the prepared baking sheet, and place half of them on the sheet.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jelly onto each disc.
- Top with another dough disc and seal edges by pressing down; use a fork to create patterns if desired.
- Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
