Jelly Cookies Recipe

These Jelly Cookies are a soft, peanut butter-infused treat with a sweet jam center, perfect for peanut butter and jelly lovers! Easy to make with no chilling required, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes for a quick and delicious snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & chewy texture – thanks to creamy peanut butter and butter
• Classic PB&J flavor – a fun twist on the childhood favorite
• No chilling required – bake immediately for a quick treat
• Customizable – use your favorite jam flavors
• Perfect for any occasion – great for lunchboxes, parties, or holiday platters

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup seedless jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
• Extra jam for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare Dough

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

2. Make the Cookie Dough

• In a mixing bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
• Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Shape & Fill Cookies

• Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Press a small indentation into the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
• Fill each indentation with ½ teaspoon jam.

4. Bake & Cool

• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Optionally, add an extra dollop of jam and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 28 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate PB&J Cookies: Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Use chunky peanut butter for more texture.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter.
• Jelly-Filled Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich two cookies together with jam in the middle.
• Cinnamon Twist: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice flavor.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred before using, as the texture may change.

2. What’s the best jam to use?

Strawberry, raspberry, or grape jam are all great choices!

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Avoid over-mixing the dough and chill for 10 minutes if your dough seems too soft.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

5. Can I skip the butter?

You can replace it with ½ cup additional peanut butter, but the texture may be slightly different.

6. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! It adds extra peanut texture to the cookies.

7. Can I make mini cookies?

Yes! Use ½ tablespoon dough per cookie and reduce baking time to 8 minutes.

8. How do I make these dairy-free?

Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.

9. Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe doesn’t require chilling, but you can refrigerate for 10 minutes for firmer dough.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients for a larger batch.

Conclusion

These Jelly Cookies are a soft, peanut butter-packed treat with a sweet jam center, making them the ultimate PB&J dessert! Easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the nostalgic flavors in every bite!

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