Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Craving a sweet treat with a nostalgic twist? These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of peanut butter and the sweet, fruity goodness of raspberry jam. These cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy texture with a burst of flavor in every bite.

The addition of roasted peanuts adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite an irresistible experience. Perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a fun dessert for family gatherings, these cookies are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies requires a simple set of ingredients to achieve that rich flavor and soft, chewy texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this delicious recipe.

Cookie Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups (6 ¼ oz/177 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (8 oz/225 g) smooth peanut butter
• ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, softened
• ¾ cup (6 oz/170 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (3 oz/85 g) dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Rodelle Tanzania Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2/3 cup (3 ½ oz/94 g) salted and roasted peanuts, chopped
• ½ cup (5 oz/142 g) seedless raspberry jam

Required Kitchen Tools

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: To cream the peanut butter, butter, and sugars, an electric mixer or hand whisk will save time and ensure a smooth mixture.
3. Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: A cookie scoop or tablespoon will help you portion the dough evenly, ensuring each cookie is the same size.
4. Baking Sheets: Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a perfectly balanced recipe, so ensure you have reliable measuring cups and spoons.

Dough Preparation

Preparing the dough is an important step in making sure your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies turn out soft and chewy. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cookie dough.

Mixing the Ingredients

Start by combining your dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – in a small bowl. Set it aside. Then, in a large mixing bowl, use a hand whisk or an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until it becomes light and soft, which should take about 1 minute. Next, mix in the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Once the butter and sugar mixture is well combined, add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients and Peanuts

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough starts to come together. Once the dough has formed, fold in the chopped roasted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shaping the Cookies

1. Portion the Dough:
   Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Then, flatten the dough ball into a 2-inch (5 cm) disc. Arrange the discs about 3 inches (7 ½ cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. This will give the cookies enough space to spread while baking.
2. Create the Indentation:
   Press your thumb into the center of each cookie disc to create a small divot. Be careful not to flatten the dough completely, as the indentation will hold the jam filling.
3. Add the Jam:
   Spoon about ½ teaspoon of seedless raspberry jam into the indentation of each cookie. The jam will melt slightly during baking, giving the cookies a sweet burst of flavor in every bite.

Baking the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies at 325°F (165°C, fan assist) for about 20-22 minutes. The cookies should be set, and the edges will begin to brown slightly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as this could affect the soft texture of the cookies.

Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Adding the Final Touch of Jam

While the cookies are still hot, spoon an additional ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam onto each cookie. This extra layer of jam enhances the flavor and gives the cookies that signature peanut butter and jelly feel. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Serving and Decoration

When it comes to serving your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, you’ll want to present them in a way that highlights their deliciousness. Here are some tips to enhance the presentation and serving:

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

While these cookies are already packed with flavor, you can add a little extra flair by topping them with:

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, snowy finish.
• Chopped Roasted Peanuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle some additional chopped roasted peanuts on top of the cookies after adding the jam.

These simple toppings can elevate your cookies, making them even more irresistible and visually appealing.

Storage Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed these delightful cookies, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness.

How to Keep Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Fresh

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Since these cookies are a bit sticky, it’s a good idea to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them in the container.

Freezing Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

If you want to extend the shelf life of your cookies, you can freeze them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. These cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a quick reheat.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a true delight that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and jelly with a soft, chewy texture and a satisfying crunch. By following the steps above, you can easily recreate these mouth-watering treats in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later, and savor the sweetness of this nostalgic treat!