PB&J Stuffed Cookies
Delight in the nostalgia of childhood with these PB&J Stuffed Cookies. These delicious treats feature a soft peanut butter cookie dough enveloping a sweet jelly filling. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply as a cozy dessert at home, these cookies bring joy and comfort to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these cookies up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Treat: Switch up the jelly flavor to suit your taste—grape, strawberry, or even raspberry works well!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
- Fun Activity: Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience for kids and adults alike!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming ingredients effortless and ensures a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
Ingredients
Delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Cookies featuring a soft peanut butter cookie dough and a sweet jelly filling. A fun, nostalgic treat!
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.
For the 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 to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until you form a smooth dough.
Step 6: Shape Dough Discs
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough. Flatten each scoop into discs. Place half of these discs onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Add Jelly Filling
In the center of each disc, place approximately 1 teaspoon of jelly.
Step 8: Seal with Another Disc
Top each filled disc with another piece of dough. Press down gently on the edges to seal them tightly. Optionally, use a fork to create decorative patterns on top.
Step 9: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious PB&J Stuffed Cookies!
How to Serve PB&J Stuffed Cookies
PB&J stuffed cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies can be paired with delicious accompaniments for an even sweeter experience.
For a Classic Pairing
- Milk: A tall glass of cold milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Coffee: The warm bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
For Creative Twists
- Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top can enhance the texture and flavor.
For Fun Presentations
- Cookie Sandwiches: Place two cookies together with extra jelly or frosting in between for an indulgent treat.
- Decorative Platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter with fresh fruits for a beautiful presentation.
How to Perfect PB&J Stuffed Cookies
To ensure your PB&J stuffed cookies are perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs allows for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them once the edges turn golden for optimal texture.
- Experiment with Jellies: Try using different flavors like raspberry or blueberry jelly to customize your cookies.
- Seal Edges Well: Press down firmly on the edges to prevent jelly from leaking out while baking.
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 delightful options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
- Chocolate Milkshake: The richness of a chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with peanut butter flavors.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to sweet treats.
- Nut Mix: A small bowl of mixed nuts offers a crunchy texture and complements the flavors well.
- Hot Cocoa: Warm cocoa is comforting and enhances the nostalgic feel of PB&J cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making PB&J Stuffed Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the cookie dough can result in spreading during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Overbaking the cookies: Overbaked cookies become hard and dry. Keep an eye on them and remove when the edges are golden but the center looks soft.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookie’s texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring the type of jelly: Using jelly that’s too runny can lead to oozing during baking. Choose a thick jelly or jam for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store PB&J Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
PB&J Stuffed Cookies are delightful treats featuring soft peanut butter cookies filled with sweet jelly, combining nostalgia with flavor.
Can I use different flavors of jelly?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor of jelly you love, such as raspberry or blackberry.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill your dough before baking and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps maintain shape while baking.
How can I customize my PB&J Stuffed Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Make them your own!
Final Thoughts
PB&J Stuffed Cookies bring comfort and joy with every bite. Their versatile nature allows you to customize flavors and fillings based on what you enjoy most. Give these nostalgic treats a try, and delight in their warm, sweet goodness!
PB&J Stuffed Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a nostalgic treat with these irresistible PB&J Stuffed Cookies. Featuring a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie dough enveloping a luscious jelly filling, this delightful dessert combines classic childhood flavors into one tasty bite. Perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, lunchboxes, or cozy evenings at home—these cookies are sure to bring smiles and comfort to everyone. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite jelly flavors, they’re an enjoyable baking project for both kids and adults alike. Treat yourself to the warmth and sweetness of these PB&J Stuffed Cookies today!
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup jelly (grape or strawberry)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough; flatten into discs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place approximately 1 teaspoon of jelly in the center of half the discs.
- Top each filled disc with another piece of dough and seal the edges gently.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
