Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Cookies are a nostalgic twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, reimagined as a soft, chewy cookie with a sweet surprise inside. These irresistible cookies combine creamy peanut butter dough with a gooey jelly center for the ultimate bite-sized treat. Perfect for peanut butter lovers and kids of all ages, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – brings bold peanut flavor and richness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – adds tenderness to the dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle molasses note
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – for structure and stability
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – gives the cookies a slight lift
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps create a soft texture
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup jelly (grape, strawberry, or your favorite) – adds a gooey, sweet filling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into the peanut butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
Step 5: Scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten into discs. Place half of the discs on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Spoon 1 teaspoon of jelly onto the center of each dough disc.
Step 7: Top with another dough disc and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 8: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Enjoy warm for a gooey center or let cool for a firmer texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- Try raspberry or apricot jelly for a fun flavor twist.
- Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent jelly leaks.
Tips from Pro Bakers
- Christina Tosi recommends chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Claire Saffitz suggests sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet sweet-and-salty combo.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Cookies are a delicious, portable version of the classic sandwich we all grew up loving. They’re simple to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and perfect for school lunches, bake sales, or cozy weekend baking. Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet jelly, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
PB&J Stuffed Cookies | recipesbyclare.com
A playful peanut butter cookie filled with sweet jelly – a childhood favorite turned into a fun dessert.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
By: Clare Greco
Category: Sweet Treats
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12–15 cookies
Dietary: Vegetarian