Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a fun and delicious twist on the classic childhood sandwich. Combining the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the sweet, fruity flavor of jelly, these cookies offer a nostalgic and irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a snack, these cookies are sure to delight everyone in the family. Here’s a simple and quick recipe to make your own Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of your favorite jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or raspberry work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
   Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Form the Cookies:
   Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb.
6. Add the Jelly:
   Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly into each indentation. You can use any type of jelly or jam that you like, such as grape, strawberry, or raspberry, for a burst of sweet flavor.
7. Bake:
   Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
   Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these sweet, chewy cookies with a glass of milk or as a standalone snack!

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies:

• Peanut Butter Texture: Choose smooth or chunky peanut butter based on your preference. Smooth peanut butter creates a smoother cookie dough, while chunky peanut butter adds a bit more texture and bite.
• Jelly Flavor: While grape jelly is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different flavors of jelly or jam. Strawberry and raspberry are both excellent choices for a fruity twist.
• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freeze for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies:

1. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are quick and simple to prepare, making them a great option for both beginners and experienced bakers.
2. Nostalgic Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and jelly evokes memories of childhood snacks, making these cookies perfect for both kids and adults alike.
3. Customizable: You can easily switch up the jelly flavors to match your taste, or add chocolate chips or crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a fun and flavorful treat that everyone will enjoy. They combine the comforting flavors of peanut butter and jelly into one irresistible bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual snack, or a school lunch, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Try them out today and share the sweetness with your loved ones!

Serving and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

Serving Tips:

1. Serve with a Drink:
   Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are perfect when paired with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the richness of the peanut butter and balances the sweetness of the jelly.
2. Add a Touch of Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:
   For a more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
3. Presentation:
   Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for a fun, casual snack at a party, or pack them in a lunchbox for a treat that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for a festive touch.
4. Perfect for All Occasions:
   These cookies are great for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or after-school snacks. The nostalgic flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults. You can also make them as a fun addition to birthday parties or picnics.

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Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature:
   Store your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Refrigeration:
   If you want to keep the cookies fresh for a longer time, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container, and they should last up to 10 days. The cold will help preserve the jelly inside, keeping it from becoming too runny.
3. Freezing:
   For long-term storage, you can freeze Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. After they are frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
4. Reheat for Freshness:
   If you prefer warm cookies, you can easily reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes until they’re warm and the jelly softens again. Alternatively, use a microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm individual cookies.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy at any time!

1. Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can easily substitute peanut butter with other nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the nut butter you choose.

2. Can I use homemade jelly for these cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade jelly or jam works wonderfully in this recipe. In fact, using homemade preserves can add a personal touch and unique flavor to the cookies. Just make sure the jelly isn’t too runny to prevent it from spilling over during baking.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. Additionally, check that your peanut butter and jelly are gluten-free.

4. Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. After forming the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1 hour). Then, transfer the frozen dough balls into a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

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