Brace yourself for a nostalgic treat with these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies! Imagine the classic PB&J transformed into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that delivers the perfect blend of salty-sweet, nutty richness, and bright, fruity jam. These beloved sandwich cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser—great for school lunches, after-dinner treats, or sharing at your next gathering. Easy to whip up yet endlessly rewarding, they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and your tastebuds dance with every bite. If you’ve ever craved a grown-up twist on the familiar flavors of your childhood, this recipe is a dream come true.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create these irresistibly chewy, sweet, and salty Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies. Each ingredient pulls its weight: some provide structure, some warmth, and others pure, jammy bliss.

Creamy peanut butter: Opt for your favorite brand—the creaminess is essential for that soft, tender cookie base.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cookies bake up irresistibly tender.
Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and a hint of crunch to balance the other flavors.
Packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and a deeper, softer texture.
Large egg: Binding power! It holds the dough together while lending moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash amplifies the warmth and rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure to each cookie sandwich.
Baking soda: Ensures the cookies puff up and stay slightly chewy in the center.
Salt: A must-have to keep the sweetness in check and enhance the peanut flavor.
Fruit jam or jelly (such as raspberry or strawberry): The “J” in PB&J—choose your favorite for a personalized twist!
Optional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty, bakery-style finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep prevents sticking and guarantees that your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies will slide right off, keeping their cute crisscross pattern pristine.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix them together using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula until the mixture is soft, fluffy, and fully blended. This creaming step unlocks the cookie’s signature light and tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until completely smooth. The egg holds everything together while the vanilla adds a cozy, bakery-like aroma that comes through in every bite.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. By sifting or whisking, you’re ensuring even distribution, which pays off when the cookies bake—each bite will be perfectly textured.

Step 5: Combine to Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overmix! Stop as soon as there are no more streaks of flour—this keeps your cookies tender and delightfully chewy.

Step 6: Shape and Flatten

Scoop out pieces of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating that iconic crisscross pattern—this both flattens them for even baking and gives a little nod to old-school peanut butter cookies.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges look lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft. Don’t overbake! Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right.

Step 8: Fill and Sandwich

When the cookies are totally cool, flip half of them upside down. Gently spread about a teaspoon of your chosen jam or jelly onto the flat side, then crown each with a second cookie. Press lightly—just enough to spread the filling to the edges and close the sandwich.

Step 9: Optional Finishing Touch

If you want a little extra sweetness and a bakery-worthy finish, dust the assembled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies with powdered sugar. This step is totally optional but adds a beautiful flourish to your platter.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is the simplest, prettiest way to finish off your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies. You could also melt a bit of chocolate and drizzle it over the tops, or sprinkle on finely chopped toasted peanuts for a little extra crunch and flair. Each option adds a delightful twist for special occasions!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte for the ultimate feel-good treat. For a playful afternoon snack plate, arrange them alongside fresh fruit or a small bowl of salty pretzels, balancing out the classic sweet and salty flavors at the heart of the PB&J theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family get-togethers, stack the cookies on a tiered dessert stand or wrap singles in colorful parchment for grab-and-go treats. You can even turn dessert into a fun activity by setting out extra jam flavors and letting guests “customize” their Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies with fillings like apricot, blackberry, or grape for a flavor adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your sandwich cookies fresh and tender, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be at their best for up to three days—and honestly, it’s rare they last that long! If your kitchen is especially warm, you can refrigerate them to prevent the jam from getting too runny.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Layer the finished Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature to preserve their tender texture and vibrant jammy center.

Reheating

While they’re typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive refrigerated or thawed cookies with a quick 10-second burst in the microwave. This softens the peanut butter cookie ever-so-slightly and brings out the aroma—just be careful not to overheat and melt the jelly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful bit of texture to the cookies, giving each bite a pleasant peanutty crunch. It’s a fun variation and works just as well as creamy in this recipe.

What kinds of jelly work best for the filling?

Strawberry and raspberry are classic favorites, but feel free to experiment with any flavor you love—apricot, blackberry, or even grape offer different personalities to your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies. Just pick a jam or jelly that’s thick enough to stay put inside the sandwich.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough, shape it into balls, and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

How do I get perfectly even sandwiches?

Pair up cookies of similar size and shape before assembling your sandwiches. For extra precision, you can use a piping bag or a small spoon to evenly distribute the jam, ensuring each Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookie looks bakery-perfect.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These cookies channel the fun and flavor of PB&J sandwiches in a dessert form that both kids and adults adore. They pack well in lunchboxes and make for a delightful after-school snack or party treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the comforting nostalgia of a PB&J, and these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies take that joy to a whole new level. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself (and everyone you love) to an irresistible homemade cookie that never goes out of style. Happy baking!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 sandwich cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, combining two favorite flavors into a sweet treat. Soft peanut butter cookies sandwiched with fruity jam or jelly make for a perfect snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Cookies:

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

Filling:

½ cup fruit jam or jelly (such as raspberry or strawberry)

Optional:

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together: peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add: egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Whisk together: flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually add: dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough: into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Flatten: each ball slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
Bake: for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool: cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Spread: about 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly on the flat side of half the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
Dust: with powdered sugar if desired.