Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies bring the best of two worlds together: the nostalgic comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the sweet satisfaction of a homemade cookie. These chewy, soft cookies are crafted with rich peanut butter dough and a sweet jelly filling, transforming a familiar childhood flavor into a delightful dessert. Whether you’re preparing a treat for kids, impressing guests with a unique cookie offering, or simply craving a nostalgic bite, this recipe delivers all the flavor and fun in a compact, portable form. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup favorite jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, raspberry, etc.)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

• Mix in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

• Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

• Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Use a fork to gently flatten each ball in a crisscross pattern.

• Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

• Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

• Once cooled, spread jelly on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another.

• Repeat with remaining cookies.

• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approx. 160 per sandwich cookie

• Protein: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Sugars: 11g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 90mg

• Fiber: 1g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this recipe truly shine is its clever transformation of a well-loved sandwich into a delicious dessert. The combination of creamy peanut butter and fruity jelly sandwiched between two soft cookies is a refreshing twist on a classic. Unlike ordinary cookies, these are interactive and fun to make, encouraging creativity through different jam flavors or even cookie shapes. The contrast between the nutty, salty richness of the cookie and the sweet, slightly tangy jelly creates a balance that’s both satisfying and memorable. It’s not just about flavor—this recipe evokes warmth, familiarity, and happiness in every bite.

The sandwich cookie concept also makes these treats more exciting than regular cookies. You get a two-for-one experience: the soft chew of peanut butter cookies and a burst of fruity filling in the middle. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone who enjoys nostalgia, baking with family, or experimenting with flavor combinations. Unlike fancier desserts that require specialty tools or complex techniques, this one is simple, accessible, and yields consistently impressive results.

Another standout feature is the recipe’s adaptability. It allows bakers to personalize their creations by choosing from various jelly flavors—grape for classic comfort, strawberry for a summery touch, or raspberry for a little tartness. You can even go gourmet with fig or apricot preserves. That kind of flexibility, paired with the universally loved peanut butter and jelly combo, ensures that this recipe remains a hit regardless of the occasion or crowd.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in delivering flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Peanut butter, the star of the show, is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. It not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s moist texture and chewy consistency. It provides a satisfying richness that pairs beautifully with sweet additions like jelly.

The jelly adds more than just a sweet touch—it brings in the brightness and acidity of fruit. Depending on the variety used, it can introduce subtle notes that elevate the entire flavor profile. Strawberry jelly gives a berry-forward sweetness, while grape has a mellow, traditional flavor. Raspberry jam can add some tartness that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter cookie base, making each bite more balanced and interesting.

Butter, sugar, and eggs are essential in any good cookie recipe. Butter delivers that classic tender texture and buttery flavor, while granulated and brown sugar work together to sweeten and soften the dough. Brown sugar in particular contributes to a slightly caramel-like flavor and keeps the cookies moist. Eggs act as a binding agent while also providing structure and richness.

Flour, baking soda, and salt complete the dry mix. Flour gives the cookies body, baking soda helps them rise slightly while still keeping them soft, and salt enhances all the other flavors, especially the peanut butter. Vanilla extract, though small in quantity, ties everything together with a subtle warm aroma that deepens the cookie’s overall profile.

What’s remarkable is that none of these ingredients are exotic or hard to find. Most home kitchens already have them stocked, making this recipe extremely convenient and budget-friendly. It proves that delicious desserts don’t require fancy ingredients—just the right combination of familiar ones.

Cooking Tips

To make the most of this recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, ensure that your butter is properly softened before creaming. This helps it blend smoothly with the sugars and creates that light, fluffy base necessary for tender cookies. When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.

Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which is especially helpful when sandwiching cookies later. When flattening each dough ball, a fork dipped in sugar can help avoid sticking and adds a touch of sparkle to the tops. Baking time should be monitored closely; aim for edges that are just turning golden while the centers remain soft. This will give you a cookie that’s sturdy enough to sandwich but still melts in your mouth.

Letting the cookies cool completely before adding the jelly is crucial. If you rush this step, the jelly may melt or slide off, leading to a messy, less appealing result. You can use a piping bag or a teaspoon to add jelly neatly in the center of each cookie. Press gently to avoid breaking the cookies.

For those looking to change things up, try using crunchy peanut butter for extra texture or swirling a bit of jelly into the dough before baking for a marbled effect. You could even coat the cookies in powdered sugar or dip half of the sandwich in melted chocolate for added visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a nostalgic touch, serve them with a tall glass of milk—perfect for an after-school snack or a bedtime treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets, offering a sweet bite that doesn’t require utensils or refrigeration.

Hosting a party? Arrange the cookies on a decorative tray with other mini desserts like brownies or fruit tarts. Their sandwich form makes them neat and easy to handle, ideal for guests to grab and go. You can even package them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors or gifts.

Pairing them with coffee or tea brings out their richness and makes them a lovely afternoon indulgence. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream for a decadent dessert duo.

For holidays and special occasions, consider shaping the cookies with seasonal cookie cutters or using holiday-themed jams and sprinkles. This adds a festive element while maintaining the classic appeal of the original recipe.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Cookies take a beloved flavor combination and give it a delightful new form that’s both fun and familiar. This recipe is simple yet packed with charm, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you stick to the classic grape jelly or explore different fruit fillings, these cookies offer endless possibilities for customization and creativity. More than just a treat, they evoke warmth, joy, and shared memories.

Easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and endlessly adaptable, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. They’re the kind of treat that brings smiles to faces young and old, reminding us that sometimes the simplest things—like a PB&J sandwich—can become something truly special when reimagined with care. Keep a batch on hand for when the craving strikes, or share them to spread a little sweetness around. Either way, these sandwich cookies are destined to be a favorite.