PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgia of childhood with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. This recipe combines the richness of creamy peanut butter with the sweetness of jelly, creating a soft and chewy treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family activity, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making PB&J Stuffed Cookies is a breeze even for novice bakers.
- Nostalgic Flavor: These cookies evoke memories of classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.
- Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to use your favorite jelly flavor—grape, strawberry, or even raspberry—to customize each cookie to your liking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in.
- Fun Activity: Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience to share with friends or family members.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious PB&J Stuffed Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients easily without spills.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents cookies from sticking.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper simplifies cleanup and helps prevent cookies from sticking to the pan.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup.
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup.
- Brown sugar, packed: 1/2 cup.
- Egg: 1 large.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
For the Filling
- Grape or strawberry jelly (or preferred flavor): 1/2 cup.
How to Make PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until you form a smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is incorporated.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into discs. Place half of these discs onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc, add about 1 teaspoon of jelly. This sweet filling will be encased in cookie goodness!
Step 8: Seal Your Cookies
Top each jelly-filled disc with another dough disc. Press down on the edges gently to seal them well. You can use a fork to make decorative patterns on top.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures may vary.
Step 10: Cool Down
After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying!
Enjoy these delicious PB&J Stuffed Cookies warm or stored in an airtight container for later!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
These PB&J stuffed cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Classic Pairing: Enjoy your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, which complements the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Cool Treat: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two PB&J stuffed cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Chocolate Drizzle
- Decadent Touch: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Fresh Fruit
- Refreshing Balance: Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Warm from the Oven
- Ultimate Comfort: Enjoy these cookies warm straight out of the oven, when they are soft and gooey inside.
As a Gift
- Sweet Surprise: Package them in a cute box as a charming homemade gift for friends or family.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To achieve the perfect PB&J stuffed cookies, keep these tips in mind for optimal results.
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and ensures thicker cookies.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for better blending into the dough.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
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Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking; remove them when the edges are golden but the center looks soft.
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Experiment with Flavors: Try different jelly flavors, like raspberry or blueberry, to customize your cookies according to taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your PB&J stuffed cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a cup for a light and creamy contrast to the rich cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese that complement the flavors of peanut butter and jelly.
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Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can provide texture and is great for snacking alongside your cookies.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats pair wonderfully with PB&J flavors, adding elegance to your dessert table.
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Nut Butter Dip with Apples: Slice apples and serve them with additional peanut butter dip for a crunchy side that echoes cookie flavors.
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Milkshakes: Blend up some classic milkshakes that resonate with childhood memories; they pair delightfully well with these cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the experience, making it cozy while enjoying these sweet delights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, several common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugars and liquid measuring cups for peanut butter.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough cookies.
- Skipping the cooling time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes. This helps them set up properly and prevents breakage.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden edge.
- Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter can affect how well the dough comes together and how fluffy your cookies turn out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Keep your PB&J Stuffed Cookies fresh by placing them in a sealed container.
- Lasts up to one week: Enjoy them within a week for the best taste.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Freeze individual cookies: Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Lasts up to three months: You can enjoy your cookies later without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds or until warm; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about PB&J Stuffed Cookies that may help you during your baking process.
What are PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are delightful treats made with soft peanut butter cookie dough filled with sweet jelly, evoking childhood nostalgia.
Can I customize my jelly filling?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of jelly or jam you prefer, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
How do I make gluten-free PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
To make gluten-free PB&J Stuffed Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make vegan PB&J Stuffed Cookies, use vegan butter and substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce as binding agents.
Final Thoughts
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are a fun and nostalgic treat that everyone will love. They combine the rich flavors of peanut butter with sweet jelly in a soft, chewy cookie. Feel free to customize these cookies with different flavors of jelly or even add chocolate chips for an extra touch. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful goodies with friends and family!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting taste of PB&J Stuffed Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. These chewy cookies are filled with your favorite jelly, making them a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth or baking with loved ones, this easy recipe will bring joy to your kitchen. With rich peanut butter flavor and customizable filling options, these cookies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jelly (grape, strawberry, or preferred flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough into discs; place half on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add approximately 1 teaspoon of jelly to each disc and top with another dough disc. Seal the edges gently.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges. Allow cooling for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
