The Ultimate Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies Recipe: A Childhood Classic with a Twist!
Hey there, fellow bakers! Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane and indulge in the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, but with a delicious twist? These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth and revisit the good old days.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened to perfection - the foundation of our cookie dough
- 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter - the star of the show, providing that rich, nutty flavor
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar - adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar - gives our cookies a deeper, richer flavor
- 1 large egg - the glue that holds our cookie dough together
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract - adds a hint of sweetness and depth to our cookies
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour - the base of our cookie dough, providing structure and texture
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda - helps our cookies spread and gives them a nice texture
- 1/4 tsp of baking powder - adds a bit of lift to our cookies
- 1/4 tsp of salt - enhances the flavors of our cookies and adds a touch of savory goodness
- 1/2 cup of jelly or jam - the perfect filling for our cookies, providing a sweet and fruity contrast to the peanut butter
- Chopped peanuts (optional) - adds a nice crunch and texture to our cookies
Let's Get Baking:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and you're ready to go!
2. Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You'll know it's ready when it's smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This will add moisture and flavor to our cookies.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don't overmix!
5. Scoop Out the Cookies: Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Create the Wells: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a deep well in the center of each cookie. Don't press all the way through - you want to create a little pocket for the jelly.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them - you don't want them to overcook!
8. Fill with Jelly: Remove the cookies from the oven, and while they're still warm, gently press the well again if needed. Fill each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam. You can use strawberry, grape, or raspberry - whatever your heart desires!
9. Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional): Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top of the cookies for added texture and flavor.
10. Let Them Cool: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Result: A deliciously soft and chewy cookie with a perfect balance of peanut butter and jelly. These cookies are perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. So go ahead, give them a try, and indulge in the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly in a whole new way!