Introduction
Peanut butter and jelly—what’s not to love about this timeless combination? Now, imagine taking this classic duo and stuffing it inside a rich, chocolate cookie for an irresistible treat that will take your taste buds on a journey. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Chocolate Cookies are the perfect fusion of comfort food nostalgia and indulgent sweetness. They combine the gooey, smooth texture of peanut butter, the sweetness of fruit jam, and the decadence of a fudgy chocolate cookie, creating a cookie experience like no other. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a delicious snack for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Jelly Cookies
This recipe elevates the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a luxurious, bite-sized dessert. Furthermore, the rich chocolate cookie dough serves as the perfect vessel for a creamy peanut butter filling and your favorite fruit jelly or jam. Moreover, with every bite, you get the satisfying contrast between the fudgy chocolate and the smooth, sweet peanut butter, with a burst of fruity goodness from the jelly center. These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right balance of flavors. The best part? They’re simple to make, and you can easily customize them with different jams or even switch up the type of nut butter for your own personal touch.
Ingredients of Peanut Butter Jelly Cookies
For these delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cookie Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened): 1/2 cup
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar (packed): 1/2 cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1/2 cup
- Peanut butter: 1/2 cup (creamy or crunchy)
And for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Filling:
- Peanut butter: 1/2 cup (creamy)
- Your favorite fruit jam or jelly: 1/4 cup (strawberry, raspberry, or grape works wonderfully)
Necessary Tools
To make these cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
- Cookie sheet or baking tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Nut Butter: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, feel free to swap it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Jam or Jelly: Strawberry, raspberry, or grape jelly are classic options, but you can experiment with other flavors like blueberry or apricot for a unique twist.
- Chocolate: For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you prefer milk chocolate, that works too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Later, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Then, stir in the chocolate chips and peanut butter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the Cookie Dough:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough. Flatten it slightly with your fingers to form a small disc.
- Then, place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter and 1/2 teaspoon of jam in the center of the disc.
- Top with another scoop of dough and gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside. Repeat for the remaining cookies.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Then, arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success of Peanut Butter Jelly Cookies
- Do not overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so take them out of the oven as soon as the edges set, even if the centers look a little underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Adjust the filling: If you’re using a particularly runny jam, consider thickening it slightly with a bit of cornstarch or using a less watery fruit preserve to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Serving Suggestions
- These cookies are perfect for serving at a picnic, party, or family gathering. Serve them alongside a tall glass of milk for the ultimate treat!
- Moreover, for an added indulgence, try drizzling a little more peanut butter on top of each cookie after they’ve cooled for a decadent finish.
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve these cookies on a platter with a few scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a cookie sundae.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, ready for a snack at any time.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Check out this delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie recipe on Olive & Thyme for another twist on this classic flavor combination.
Nutritional Information
These cookies are an indulgent treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per cookie (assuming 24 cookies total):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs – Peanut Butter Jelly Cookies
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just ensure the peanut butter is smooth enough to be easily spread inside the cookie.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the flour blend’s packaging to ensure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
- Can I use a different type of nut butter?
- Of course, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be used as substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe.
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for long-term storage.
- How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
- Make sure to seal the cookie dough well around the filling. You can also chill the dough before baking to help it hold its shape better in the oven.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Stuffed Chocolate Cookies are a delightful fusion of two childhood favorites wrapped up in a decadent chocolate cookie. Also, the rich chocolate dough, smooth peanut butter, and sweet jelly create the perfect balance of flavors, making them an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies will surely become a family favorite. So, try them out today and let the magic of peanut butter and jelly shine in a whole new way!
For another irresistible peanut butter-filled treat, be sure to check out this Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Surprise Cookie recipe on My Eco Cookie.
