These Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies are a whimsical twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich—only better, because they’re cookies. With a soft, chewy peanut butter base and a burst of sweet jam in the center, these cookies bring the best of childhood comfort and homemade baking into one handheld treat. The golden exterior gently gives way to a warm, gooey center that melts in your mouth, making every bite nostalgic yet new.
Perfect for after-school snacks, weekend baking sessions, or gifting in a cozy cookie box, these cookies are not just fun to make—they’re crowd-pleasers every single time. You can swap in your favorite jelly or jam, from raspberry to blackberry, or even use nut butters like almond or cashew for a gourmet spin. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a sweet surprise for someone special, these cookies deliver deliciousness with heart.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup grape or strawberry jelly
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
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Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.
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Fill each indentation with a small amount of jelly (about 1/2 teaspoon).
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 135 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Story Behind Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies
The timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly has earned a beloved place in the hearts (and lunchboxes) of people around the world. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and endlessly comforting—reminding many of simple childhood moments, homemade lunches, and cozy kitchen counters. With this recipe for Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies, we’ve reimagined the iconic PB&J duo into a soft, chewy cookie form that blends nostalgia with indulgence.
These cookies take the essence of a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich and elevate it with the richness of buttery cookie dough and the surprise of jam-filled centers. Each cookie is a bite-sized celebration of two iconic flavors, brought together in a unique dessert form that’s perfect for all ages.
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
There are hundreds of cookie recipes out there, but what sets these Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies apart is the balance of texture, flavor, and creativity:
- Texture Explosion: The outer shell is slightly crisp around the edges, giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter interior and a luscious, gooey jelly center. It’s a triple-layered sensory experience.
- Flavor Harmony: Creamy, nutty peanut butter pairs beautifully with sweet, fruity jelly. This natural contrast makes each bite complex yet familiar.
- Hidden Surprise: Unlike standard drop cookies, these offer a delightful surprise in the middle. The jelly oozes gently when you break them open—making them not only delicious but visually satisfying as well.
Recipe Benefits: Why You’ll Love It
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:
Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, peanut butter, and jelly, this recipe is easy to whip up without a trip to the store. Yet, the end result tastes like something from a high-end bakery. - Kid-Friendly and Fun:
These cookies are a hit with children thanks to their playful jelly centers and sweet taste. They’re also a fantastic activity for kids to help with—rolling the dough and adding jelly to the center is hands-on and fun. - Highly Customizable:
Not a fan of grape jelly? Use strawberry, raspberry, or even fig preserves. Prefer almond butter over peanut? Swap it out. The base cookie dough is versatile and adaptable to dietary preferences or flavor experiments. - Great for Gifting:
Their eye-catching appearance and unique texture make these cookies perfect for gift boxes, bake sales, or holiday trays. They’re just as pretty as they are delicious. - Nostalgia Meets Gourmet:
This recipe bridges the gap between childhood comfort and gourmet baking. It’s the type of cookie that evokes happy memories while impressing even the pickiest dessert lovers.
Healthier Twist? Yes, You Can.
While this is a classic indulgent cookie recipe, it’s easy to give it a health-conscious makeover:
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: Look for peanut butter with just peanuts and salt to reduce added sugar and oil.
- Try Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Choose Low-Sugar or Homemade Jam: This helps reduce the sugar content while giving you full control over the flavor.
- Reduce Sugar Slightly: The recipe can still hold its structure and flavor if you reduce the sugar by 10–15%.
These adjustments allow you to enjoy the cookies with a little more nutritional balance, making them a smarter choice for lunchboxes or mid-day treats.
Occasions Perfect for These Cookies
These stuffed cookies are more than just an afternoon snack—they’re incredibly versatile and fit for a wide range of events and moments:
- Back-to-School Lunchbox Treats: A fun surprise in a child’s lunchbox that’s also homemade and preservative-free.
- Bake Sales or Cookie Exchanges: Unique and visually appealing, these stand out among standard chocolate chip or sugar cookies.
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Add variety to your cookie trays with a pop of color and jammy goodness.
- Birthday Party Favors: Wrap them individually in cute packaging for party gifts.
- Self-Care Baking Days: They’re a therapeutic baking project and a satisfying treat all in one.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Chill the Dough:
For best results, let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy. - Don’t Overfill with Jelly:
A little goes a long way—too much jelly can cause overflow or break the cookie structure. Use about 1/2 teaspoon per cookie. - Use a Small Cookie Scoop:
This ensures even cookie sizes and consistent baking, which is key when working with filled centers. - Cool Completely Before Storing:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack, and make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to level up your peanut butter jelly stuffed cookie game? Try these variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips to the dough for a PB&J + chocolate combo.
- Swirl Jam Into the Dough instead of filling the center for a marbled effect.
- Turn into Cookie Sandwiches by flattening two baked cookies and sandwiching extra jelly between them.
- Drizzle with White Chocolate for an elegant finish and an extra sweet layer.
A Cookie for All Generations
Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies are more than a treat—they’re a cross-generational classic. Whether you’re introducing kids to this nostalgic combo or recreating childhood favorites for yourself, these cookies are an invitation to slow down and savor the sweet moments. They represent comfort, creativity, and connection—things we all crave in today’s fast-paced world.
The next time you’re looking for a treat that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, chewy, gooey, familiar, and exciting—reach for this recipe. It’s one that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts comfort food and creative baking, Peanut Butter Jelly Stuffed Cookies check all the boxes. From their rich peanut butter dough to their surprise jelly centers, they’re everything you love about PB&J—reinvented in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees smiles, nostalgia, and delicious satisfaction. Keep this one bookmarked—it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.