Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, isn’t there? They remind us of childhood lunches, picnics in the park, and the simple joy of a sweet treat. Now, imagine taking that classic flavor combination and transforming it into cookies. Yes, you heard it right! These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a delightful cream cheese filling and your choice of jam. Perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or a cozy dessert, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of making these irresistible treats!

What Makes This Recipe Special

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies stand out for several reasons. First, they combine the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter with the sweet, tangy taste of jam, creating a perfect balance that appeals to all ages. The addition of cream cheese and marshmallow cream in the filling provides a luscious texture that takes these cookies to the next level. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something so delightful!

Your Shopping Guide

When preparing to make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter – Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup brown sugar – This adds moisture and a rich flavor.
• 1 cup white granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature taste.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda – For leavening.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps make the cookies rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.

For the filling, you will need:

• ½ cup cream cheese – Provides a rich, creamy texture.
• ½ cup marshmallow cream – Adds sweetness and fluffiness.
• 2-3 tablespoons strawberry jam – Choose your favorite flavor for a personal touch.
• Powdered sugar – Optional, for dusting if desired.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies, you’ll need the following tools:

• Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer – A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for creamy butter and sugar.
• Spatula – For folding in ingredients and spreading the filling.
• Baking sheets – Ensure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie cutters – Optional, for shaping the cookies if you desire fun shapes.
• Cooling rack – To cool your cookies evenly.

Build Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs

Next, add in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, make the filling by mixing together the cream cheese, marshmallow cream, and jam in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, creating a sandwich. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Seasonal Adaptations

Feel free to switch up your ingredients or fillings based on the season! Here are some ideas:

• Use pumpkin spice and cream cheese filling in the fall.
• Opt for chocolate hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
• Try using blueberry jam or raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
• Incorporate cinnamon into the cookie dough for a warm, cozy flavor.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Baking can be tricky, and even seasoned bakers can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – This can lead to dry or overly wet cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step – This is crucial for maintaining the shape of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough – This can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not allowing cookies to cool completely before filling – This can cause the filling to melt or ooze out.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies fresh and delicious:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Fill the cookies just before serving to prevent the filling from making them soggy.

Common Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cookies, making them even more delightful.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. They may appear underbaked, but they’ll continue to bake on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

What can I use instead of marshmallow cream?

If you can’t find marshmallow cream, you can whip up a mixture of softened cream cheese and powdered sugar for a similar sweet and creamy filling.

Looking for other quick and delightful recipes? Check out these links:

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the tools, tips, and tricks to make your own Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies, it’s time to get baking! The combination of flavors and textures in these cookies is sure to make them a hit with everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a batch of these delectable treats. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself! Happy baking!