PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

I never thought I’d find a PB&J twist that felt so indulgent and fresh until these PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe came into my life. Imagine biting into a warm, tender peanut butter cookie that floods your mouth with a luscious center of sweet jelly—it’s like rediscovering your childhood favorite with a gourmet upgrade. The scent alone, rich with roasted peanuts and sugary sweetness, will pull you into the kitchen every time.

Why You’ll Love This PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Fusion: These cookies perfectly balance the creamy depth of peanut butter with a burst of fruity jelly in every bite, delighting your taste buds with familiar comfort given a fun twist.
• Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like creamy peanut butter, granulated and brown sugar, and your choice of grape or strawberry jelly, this recipe is approachable for any home baker.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies bring nostalgic flavors and impressive presentation to your table.
• Perfect Portion Size: Yielding 12 generous servings, these cookies offer a satisfying snack or dessert without overwhelming your sweet tooth.
• Quick to Bake: In just 30 minutes of prep and bake time, you’ll have freshly homemade cookies that feel like a special homemade gift.

Why This PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe Works

The magic of this PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe lies in the thoughtful layering of flavors and precise baking method. Using the classic American baking technique of creaming peanut butter with softened butter and sugars ensures that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combining baking powder and baking soda gives just the right rise, while sealing the jelly center within flattened dough discs guarantees juicy pockets of sweetness that don’t leak during baking. This careful assembly and baking at 350°F locks in moisture and flavor, delivering cookies that are soft with golden, slightly crisp edges.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Get ready to gather an inviting palette of ingredients that together create pure bliss: creamy peanut butter, softened butter, sugars that bring caramel notes, and the bright, fruity jelly filling that makes these cookies unforgettable.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient lending richness and nutty depth.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds velvety softness and helps perfect the texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and slight crunch at the edges.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings molasses undertones and a moist crumb.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base, creating soft but sturdy dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lift and lightness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Encourages spread and golden edges.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1/2 cup jelly (grape or strawberry): The fruity surprise center—choose your favorite!

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Peanut Butter: Feel free to swap for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty twist while keeping the recipe vegetarian.
• Butter: Use a high-quality unsalted butter for the creamiest texture; margarine can be substituted but expect subtle differences.
• Jelly: Grape and strawberry work beautifully, but raspberry or apricot preserves are tasty alternatives that add a unique zing.
• Flour: You can try whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture if you want to add some wholesome goodness.

How to Make PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

💡 Pro Tip: Get your oven ready early to maintain consistent heat for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and dreamy—a step that creates the perfect base for tender cookies.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to achieve this fluffy texture quickly and efficiently.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, blending them in thoroughly so every bite bursts with those classic vanilla-warmed peanut butter notes.

💡 Pro Tip: Beat just enough to combine; overmixing can toughen the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

💡 Pro Tip: Sift the dry ingredients for lighter baked cookies and easier blending.

Step 5: Shape Dough

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten them gently into discs, and arrange half of them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. This is where the anticipation builds!

💡 Pro Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Add Jelly

Place approximately 1 teaspoon of your favorite jelly in the center of each disc, then top with the remaining dough discs. Press the edges firmly to seal and trap that sweet jewel inside.

💡 Pro Tip: Chill the dough discs briefly if jelly starts to soften the cookie base before baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Once out of the oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool; this lets them firm up and avoids any gummy centers.

💡 Pro Tip: Watch closely after 12 minutes to prevent overbaking—cookies should be soft but set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Not sealing edges properly: Jelly may leak and create burnt sticky spots.
• Using cold butter: Leads to uneven dough texture and crumbly cookies.
• Overmixing dough: Toughens cookies, losing that tender bite.
• Adding too much jelly: Causes messy cookies and soggy centers.
• Skipping parchment paper: Can result in sticking and broken cookies.
• Not preheating oven: Uneven baking and disappointing texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic version, have fun with these delightful twists to keep your cookie jar exciting and sweetly diverse:

Nutty Chocolate PB&J

Stir in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts and mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra crunchy, chocolate-peanut fusion. A beloved twist that ups the indulgence factor.

Berry Medley Delight

Swap grape or strawberry jelly for a mix of raspberry and blackberry preserves, giving a tart-sweet pop to the cookie center with enhanced berry complexity.

Oatmeal PB&J Cookies

Replace half the all-purpose flour with rolled oats for a heartier, chewier texture that adds a rustic charm to your PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe.

Try our Healthy Grain-Free Peanut Butter Cookies – Easy & Delicious for a gluten-free, wholesome peanut butter twist.

Cinnamon-Spiced PB&J

Mix a pinch of ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients to bring warmth and aroma that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter and jelly.

How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly atop cooled cookies for an elegant touch or drizzle a little melted peanut butter on top for a glossy finish that enhances their appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a simple fruit salad to create a balanced and pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra jelly for dipping, or stack them in gift boxes tied with twine for charming homemade presents. Pair with our Brown Butter Sugar Cookies to impress guests with a cookie sampler that offers contrasting but complementary flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dough and shape the stuffed discs a day ahead. Keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator on the baking sheet, then bake fresh the next day for optimal texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful.

Freezing

Both unbaked cookie dough discs and baked cookies freeze well. Freeze shaped dough discs on a lined sheet then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive that just-baked softness and gooey jelly center.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use quality creamy peanut butter: It deeply influences flavor and texture.
• Room temperature egg and butter: Mix more evenly and avoid curdling.
• Seal jelly pockets firmly: Prevents messy leaks during baking.
• Don’t overbake: Cookies should be just set with golden edges.
• Adjust jelly amount: To accommodate preferences for sweetness and gooeyness.
• Use parchment paper: For effortless clean-up and perfect texture.
• Customize your jelly flavors: For seasonal variety or personal favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter often has a thinner consistency and may alter the dough’s texture. If using it, stir well before measuring and consider adding a bit more flour to achieve the right dough consistency.

What type of jelly works best?

Grape and strawberry jelly are classics that hold nicely inside the dough, but other thick preserves like raspberry or apricot work well too, just avoid runny varieties.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cookies, and adjust baking times slightly as needed.

Why does my jelly leak out during baking?

This often happens if the dough edges aren’t sealed tightly, or if too much jelly is used. Make sure to firmly pinch the edges and use roughly 1 teaspoon of jelly.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the shaped dough before baking or freeze baked cookies in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I store leftover PB&J Stuffed Cookies?

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?

You can! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips make great additions, but keep the jelly filling as the central star of the cookie.

Final Thoughts

This PB&J Stuffed Cookies Recipe is a joyful, comforting treat that brings a new spin to an all-time favorite flavor combination. Each bite is a delightful contrast of tender, buttery cookie and luscious jelly that invites smiles and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for kids, friends, or yourself, these cookies deliver warmth, sweetness, and ease with every forkful. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and enjoy the simple happiness it brings!

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• Strawberry Kiss Cookies: Irresistible Strawberry & White Chocolate Delights – Bursting with real strawberries and white chocolate, these cookies offer a fresh, fruity charm to delight your palate.

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