Introduction
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the combination of peanut butter and jelly. These flavors transport us back to carefree childhood days with every delightful bite. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this easy recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies. These delightful cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam of your choice (strawberry, grape, etc.)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency that fills the kitchen with its rich aroma.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined, making sure you capture all the flavors in this delightful mixture.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each ball, as they will spread while baking.
- Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, creating a lovely crisscross pattern on top. This adds a classic touch to your cookies!
- With your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. This will hold a delicious surprise.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jelly or jam, adding a burst of flavor to each cookie.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, creating a tempting aroma that fills your home.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set perfectly and retain their chewy texture.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jelly or jam! Raspberry and blueberry are also delicious options.
- If you like a bit of texture, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them soft and chewy.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is a fantastic introduction to baking with peanut butter. The key is to mix the ingredients well, ensuring that the sugar fully integrates with the peanut butter for a smooth texture. The fork technique for flattening the cookies not only creates a lovely presentation but also helps them bake evenly. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven, so if they look slightly undercooked, that’s okay!
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be aware that natural peanut butter may cause the cookies to spread more as it has a different consistency than creamy peanut butter.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container!
What can I do with leftover jelly?
Leftover jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, mixing in yogurt, or even making a quick glaze for desserts!
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that capture the essence of comfort. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these cookies will surely invoke cherished memories while creating new ones. So grab your apron, get your ingredients ready, and enjoy the sweet aroma of homemade cookies filling your kitchen. Happy baking!