Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

The nostalgic combination of peanut butter and jelly takes center stage in these soft-baked cookies that are both fun to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Each cookie delivers the perfect balance of creamy, salty peanut butter and sweet, fruity jam, wrapped in a chewy, golden dough. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie swap, or just craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these thumbprint-style PB&J cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. They’re easy to customize with your favorite jam flavor and make a fantastic addition to any dessert table or lunchbox treat lineup.

Full recipe:

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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.

5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

6. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indent in the center of each cookie.

7. Fill each indent with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 165 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

The Classic Flavors of Childhood, Reimagined

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a delicious tribute to one of the most iconic food pairings of all time. Most of us grew up with PB&J sandwiches tucked into our lunchboxes, and now, those nostalgic flavors have found a new home in a chewy, jam-filled cookie. This recipe brings together the comforting richness of creamy peanut butter with the fruity sweetness of jam, resulting in a treat that delights both kids and adults alike.

These cookies capture the essence of home baking: simple, satisfying, and filled with flavor. They are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a lunchbox treat, or just craving a bite of something comforting and familiar. With minimal prep time and no complicated techniques, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.

A Brief History of Peanut Butter and Jelly

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich has long been a staple of American cuisine, with its popularity soaring in the early 20th century. Peanut butter became more accessible in the 1900s, and with the advent of pre-sliced bread, families found it easy to make quick, nutritious meals for their children. The PB&J sandwich became a symbol of simplicity and nourishment during wartime and the Great Depression.

Transforming that classic into a cookie form was a natural evolution. As thumbprint cookies grew in popularity—a style where an indentation is made to hold fillings like jam or chocolate—it was only a matter of time before someone combined the concept with the PB&J flavor profile. The result? A soft, chewy cookie that satisfies the craving for something both sweet and slightly savory.

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies stand out for several reasons, making them a favorite among home bakers:

• Simplicity: With just a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, peanut butter, and jam, this recipe is quick to prepare and easy to follow.
• Flavor Fusion: The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet fruit jam delivers a perfect balance that keeps you reaching for more.
• Texture: These cookies bake into a soft and chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge—ideal for cookie lovers.
• Versatility: Use your favorite jams—strawberry, raspberry, or even grape—to give the recipe your own twist.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a fun and engaging activity for kids to help with in the kitchen. They love creating the thumbprint indentations and filling them with jam.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or for your own cozy snack stash, this recipe always delivers consistent, mouthwatering results.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

Though the recipe is straightforward, a few pro tips can elevate your cookies to bakery-level perfection:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter and egg to sit at room temperature before mixing. This ensures even blending and a smoother dough.
• Choose a high-quality peanut butter: A natural, creamy peanut butter with minimal added sugar or oils will give you the richest flavor without being overly greasy.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should still look slightly soft when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies that spread less, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Try different jam flavors: Raspberry adds a tart punch, strawberry offers a mellow sweetness, and grape gives a nod to the classic PB&J sandwich.

Health Benefits in Moderation

While these cookies are a sweet treat, they do contain ingredients with nutritional benefits—particularly peanut butter, which is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. A moderate portion can offer a satisfying and energizing snack. When paired with a lower-sugar jam or preserves, the overall sugar content can be controlled without sacrificing flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s also possible to adapt the recipe. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, swap the egg for a flaxseed alternative for a vegan option, or use almond butter if you’re avoiding peanuts.

Customization Ideas for Creative Bakers

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the possibilities for creative twists are endless:

• Drizzle with chocolate: After baking and cooling, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a gourmet touch.
• Roll in crushed peanuts: Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in crushed peanuts for a crunchy coating.
• Add spices: A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can enhance the warmth and depth of flavor.
• Double-layered jam: For a surprise center, try spooning a bit of peanut butter into the thumbprint before adding the jam on top.
• Holiday edition: Use different colored jams and sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar for a festive look during the holidays.

These tweaks make it easy to reinvent the recipe for different seasons and occasions while keeping the base concept the same.

Ideal Occasions to Serve These Cookies

These cookies are a versatile addition to any menu or event. Here are just a few ways to serve them:

• Back-to-school snacks: Pack a few in your child’s lunchbox as a special treat.
• Picnics and potlucks: Their nostalgic flavor makes them an instant hit with both kids and adults.
• Bake sales: With their appealing look and classic taste, they’re bound to be bestsellers.
• Holiday cookie exchanges: Easy to transport and share, they bring a comforting, familiar flavor that stands out.
• Gifting: Stack a dozen in a clear bag tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got an adorable homemade gift.

No matter where you serve them, they’ll always be a welcome sight on the dessert table.

What Makes This Recipe Better Than Others

There are plenty of PB&J cookie recipes out there, but this one delivers the perfect balance of taste, texture, and simplicity. It doesn’t rely on fancy techniques or unusual ingredients—just tried-and-true pantry staples prepared with care. The cookies are soft without being too cakey, rich without being too dense, and sweet without overwhelming the palate.

Many recipes use jelly or jam as an afterthought or a glaze, but in this version, the jam is celebrated as a core ingredient. The thumbprint style ensures that every bite contains that luscious, fruity center. Additionally, this recipe holds its shape well during baking, offering consistency in both taste and appearance—perfect for presentation or gifting.

Fun Baking Activity for Families

Involving children in the kitchen is one of the best ways to create lasting memories, and this recipe is ideal for that. Kids love making the thumbprint indentations, spooning the jam, and, of course, licking the bowl. With minimal steps and forgiving ingredients, this recipe is a low-stress way to introduce children to baking.

It’s also a wonderful way to teach children about flavor pairing, kitchen hygiene, and the joy of sharing what they create. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing the smile on a child’s face when they taste something they helped make?

Conclusion

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies are a delightful twist on a time-honored favorite, offering everything we love about PB&J sandwiches in a soft, sweet, and satisfying cookie. With their nostalgic flavor, versatile preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, they’re a must-have in every home baker’s rotation. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cookie and cold glass of milk, these cookies bring joy in every bite.

So go ahead—get your mixing bowl ready, choose your favorite jam, and rediscover a childhood classic in its most delicious form yet.