Peanut butter and jelly—just saying the words brings back memories of sticky fingers, after-school snacks, and the comforting simplicity of childhood. But today, we’re turning that classic duo into something a little more grown-up: chewy, golden peanut butter cookies with a glistening jewel of jam nestled right in the center. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are nostalgic, yes, but also rich, nutty, and irresistibly indulgent in the best way.

How This Recipe Was Born

It started as a happy accident. One lazy Sunday, I found myself with leftover jam, a jar of peanut butter that was nearing the bottom, and a sweet craving I couldn’t ignore. Instead of reaching for bread, I reached for a baking sheet—and just like that, the PB&J cookie was born. They’ve since become my go-to treat when I want something quick, crowd-pleasing, and just different enough to turn heads at the cookie table.

A Fun Twist on a Classic Pair

These cookies take everything we love about the classic sandwich—sweetness, saltiness, softness—and bake it into a portable, poppable treat. The rich peanut butter base is soft in the middle with just the right amount of crisp around the edges, and the jam center adds a fruity burst of flavor and shine. Whether you’re packing them in a lunchbox or setting them out for holiday trays, they hit the perfect nostalgic note.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Before we roll up our sleeves, here’s why these cookies are always worth baking:

One-Bowl Magic: No mixer, no fuss—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little love.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Naturally flourless, so everyone can enjoy.
Make-Ahead Ready: Dough keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

Customizable: Use your favorite jam—strawberry, raspberry, or even fig.
Kid-Approved: They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Tips for Getting Them Just Right

Want to level-up your batch? Keep these pointers in mind:

Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture, not natural or oily varieties.

Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it’s too soft to roll—especially on warm days.
Don’t overbake. The cookies should look slightly underdone when pulled from the oven.
Add jam after baking for more defined centers, or before if you prefer a gooey melt-in.

Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking for that bakery-style finish.

What You’ll Need

This cookie dough comes together with simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have:

Mixing Bowl & Spoon: That’s it—no stand mixer required.
Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon: To portion evenly.
Parchment Paper: Keeps things tidy and prevents sticking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for balance.
Wire Rack: For cooling and helping those jam centers set.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies

These cookies keep it simple and classic:

Peanut Butter: 1 cup, creamy and unsweetened.
Brown Sugar: ½ cup, for depth and softness.
Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup, for that crisp edge.
Egg: 1 large, helps bind the dough.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth.
Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon, gives lift and chew.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
Jam or Jelly: ⅓ cup, your favorite flavor—strawberry is a classic.
Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): For sprinkling before baking.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: This is the backbone of the cookie—go for smooth and shelf-stable (like Jif or Skippy). Natural varieties tend to separate and can make the dough oily or crumbly.

Jam: Strawberry is nostalgic, but raspberry gives it a little tartness. Apricot or blackberry can make things interesting. Just don’t overfill, or it’ll overflow while baking.

Substitutions and Variations

Out of something or want to switch it up?

No peanut butter? Try almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
No eggs? A flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) can work in a pinch.
Want crunch? Stir in chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels.
Feeling chocolatey? Add mini chips to the dough or drizzle with melted chocolate post-bake.

Let’s Make Some Cookies

Here’s how to bring these beauties to life:

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Scoop and Roll

Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into each to create a small well.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Add a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of jam into each indentation. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden.

Step 5: Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The centers will set as they cool.

Optional: Add More Jam

For a glossy finish, you can add a tiny bit of fresh jam into the center once the cookies have cooled.

Taste and Texture

These cookies are chewy at the edges, soft in the center, and have that perfect contrast between salty peanut butter and sweet, sticky jelly. They’re rich, indulgent, and totally satisfying with a cold glass of milk or hot tea.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment between layers to keep jam from sticking. They also freeze beautifully—baked or unbaked.

Make It Fancy

Want to dress them up for a party?

Dust with powdered sugar
Dip in melted chocolate halfway
Pipe cream cheese frosting around the edge

Or keep it classic. Sometimes simple really is best.

FAQ

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: You can, but it’ll change the texture. Expect a more rustic crumb.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two.

Q: Can I make them without sugar?
A: You can experiment with alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit, though texture may vary.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a cozy twist on a childhood favorite that somehow feels both nostalgic and brand new. They’re fast, easy, and sure to be a hit with both kids and grown-ups alike. Next time that sweet craving hits—or you just want to impress at the cookie swap—you know what to bake.

So preheat that oven, grab your peanut butter jar, and let’s get baking!