Are you craving a taste of childhood? Do you love the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly? Then get ready to be amazed! This recipe takes the beloved PB&J sandwich and transforms it into unbelievably delicious, chewy cookies. These aren't your grandma's cookies (though she'd probably love them too!), these are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply satisfying a sudden craving, these easy recipes are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup seedless grape jelly
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer really shines, but you can definitely achieve the same results with a hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter & Jelly
Stir in the peanut butter until it's evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the dough. We'll use this later!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the remaining dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread.
Step 6: Create the Jelly Centers
Using your finger or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of grape jelly.
Step 7: Add the Swirl
Take the reserved dough and roll it into small balls. Place a small ball of dough on top of the jelly in each cookie. Gently swirl the dough into the jelly using the back of a spoon or your finger.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will help create a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust the Jelly: Feel free to experiment with different types of jelly or jam. Strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot would be delicious!
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter & Jelly: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra decadent treat.
- Peanut Butter Only: For a simpler version, omit the jelly and just add extra peanut butter.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
Enjoy your homemade, delicious, and nostalgic Peanut Butter & Jelly cookies! They're the perfect easy recipes for any occasion. These quick dinner ideas (well, dessert ideas!) are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!