Meet your new favorite cookie mashup: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies bring the nostalgic flavors of childhood together with homemade, bakery-worthy finesse! These cookies are soft, tender rounds of creamy peanut butter goodness, sandwiched with a burst of sweet, fruity jam. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your lunchbox, impress at a bake sale, or simply indulge in the ultimate PB&J treat, this recipe delivers on texture, taste, and pure joy—every single bite is a little throwback with a grown-up upgrade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Your shopping list couldn’t be more delightfully straightforward: the beauty of these Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies is that each ingredient truly counts. Together, they create a treat that’s tender, full of nutty depth, and bursting with jammy color.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Kickstarts the cookies with rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies get that perfect golden edge.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a slight caramel note that makes each bite extra special.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the show—choose your favorite brand for maximum peanut punch.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together for cookies that hold up beautifully in a sandwich.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of old-fashioned bakery flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): Lays the foundation for the perfect soft and chewy cookie.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just the right lift and tenderness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt sharpens all those sweet and nutty flavors.
- Fruit Jam or Jelly (1/2 cup; grape, raspberry, or strawberry): The PB to your J—pick your favorite, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional): For anyone who loves a pretty, bakery-style finish (and a tiny extra hit of sweetness).
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step makes sure your cookies come off cleanly—no sticking, just perfect peanut butter rounds every time.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until everything is light, fluffy, and completely incorporated. The mixture should look pale and feel irresistible—yes, it’ll smell amazing already!
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once your batter base is creamy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the dough is smooth and glossy. These add both richness and a hint of warmth you absolutely want in Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step evens out the distribution of leavening and salt so every cookie bakes up just right—tender with a delicate crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour for cookies with that perfect softness.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Dough
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough, rolling them gently between your hands to smooth them out. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, then flatten gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern—the classic peanut butter cookie signature!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling ensures they’re sturdy enough to sandwich without crumbling.
Step 8: Fill and Sandwich
Once completely cool, spread 1–2 teaspoons of your chosen jam or jelly on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with another cookie to create that signature Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookie. Finish them all, then dust with powdered sugar if you feel fancy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar really gives these cookies that classic bakery appeal, but you could also drizzle with a little extra peanut butter or melted white chocolate if you’re feeling playful! Tiny bits of freeze-dried raspberries or sprinkles add a pop of color for extra fun.
Side Dishes
Pair these beauties with an ice-cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a fruity herbal tea. For dessert platters, try serving alongside fresh berries or simple vanilla ice cream—the mix of textures will have everyone swooning.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies in parchment-lined tins for an adorable gift, or display them on a colorful cake stand with alternating grape, raspberry, and strawberry fillings for a pretty pop of color. For parties, serve mini versions with little flags indicating the filling flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh and just as chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies (before sandwiching with jam) for up to two months. Simply thaw, fill with your favorite jelly, and serve. If you want to freeze completed sandwich cookies, wrap them individually before stashing in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-baked feel, let chilled cookies come to room temperature naturally, or give them a 5–10 second zap in the microwave—just enough to make the peanut butter oozy and the jam slightly gooey again!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds great texture to Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies, giving you delightful little pops of peanut throughout. Almond butter or even sunflower butter work if you’re experimenting with flavors or allergies.
Which type Dessert
This is your call! Grape is a classic, but raspberry, strawberry, or even blueberry jam brings a new dimension. Mix and match, or use a favorite homemade preserve for a personalized touch.
Can I make the cookies smaller for bite-size treats?
Definitely. Just scoop smaller balls of dough, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes, and keep an eye out for golden edges. These mini Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are perfect for party platters or lunchbox snacking.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting soggy after filling?
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the jam, and use a thicker jam or jelly. Storing them in a single layer rather than stacked helps keep them firm and sandwich-perfect.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be chilled (covered) for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before scooping and baking—this gives you the option to bake fresh Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies whenever the craving hits!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and showstopping, you simply can’t beat Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies. They’re a total crowd-pleaser that brings a little joy with every single flavorful bite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and savor the homemade magic—these cookies are the happiest way to celebrate PB&J!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a twist. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and fruit jam in a soft, chewy cookie form.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or jelly (such as grape, raspberry, or strawberry)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, and peanut butter. Add the egg and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Assemble: Spread jam on one cookie, sandwich with another, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your peanut butter and jelly sandwich cookies!
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter or almond butter for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
