PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies are buttery cookies with classic peanut butter and jelly flavors everyone loves!
Slice and bake cookies are a tasty treat that combine the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet and fruity taste of jelly. These peanut butter jelly cookies are easy to make and are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even as a gift for friends and family.
History of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
The history of these cookies can be traced back to the early 1900s, when peanut butter first became widely available in the United States. The idea of adding jelly to peanut butter cookies likely originated in the 1950s, when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches became a popular lunchtime staple. As people began experimenting with different ways to enjoy this classic combination, peanut butter and jelly cookies quickly became a favorite.
Today, there are countless variations of peanut butter and jelly cookie recipes, with different types of jelly, peanut butter, and other ingredients. Some recipes call for crunchy peanut butter, while others use smooth. Some use grape jelly, while others opt for strawberry or raspberry. Despite the many variations, one thing remains constant: peanut butter and jelly cookies are a beloved treat that has stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love This PB&J Cookie Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect for All Ages: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike. The combination of sweet jelly and creamy peanut butter is a classic flavor that everyone loves.
- Versatile: This recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can use any flavor of jelly or jam that you like, or even substitute it with Nutella or chocolate spread. You can also experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or smooth, to achieve different textures.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Ingredients
Butter: You need ½ cup of butter, softened, to give the dough the fats needed for the cookies to be moist.
Sugar: Using ½ cup of sugar will make the cookies soft and chewy.
Peanut butter: Add in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter for amazing flavor in this cookie recipe.
Strawberry jam: For even more great taste, you will want to add in ½ cup of strawberry jam.
Egg: Help bind the ingredients together by adding in 1 large egg.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the amazing flavors in this cookie dough by using 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.
Flour: You will need 2 ½ cups of flour for the base of this cookie dough recipe.
Baking powder: One of the leavening agents in this recipe is 1 ½ tsp. of baking powder.
Baking soda: Using ½ tsp. of baking soda as the second leavening agent will help these cookies puff up nicely as they bake.
Salt: Adding ½ tsp. of salt will help balance all the different ingredients to create a wonderfully flavored treat.
Peanuts: For an amazing crunchy in these cookies, use ½ cup of chopped peanuts.
How to make PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies
Cooke dough
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Next, add the peanut butter and strawberry jam. Beat again until ingredients are well combined.
Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, beat until smooth.
After that, in a separate small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Proceed to add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture in 2 additions, mixing well after each addition until no dry flour streaks remain.
Now add in the peanuts and stir well.
Chill dough
Continue to divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape each portion into an 8-inch long log. Then wrap each log with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours.
Bake
Once the dough has been chilled, get the oven preheating to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Then grab the cookie dough from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap from each log. Cut the cookie dough into ¼ inch slices and arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes until golden. Let them stand on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!
Variations of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
Gluten-Free: For those who are gluten intolerant, there are several gluten-free options for making peanut butter and jelly cookies. One option is to use almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour. Another option is to use gluten-free oats to make oat flour. It is important to note that when using gluten-free flours, the texture and taste of the cookies may differ from the original recipe.
Vegan: To make vegan peanut butter and jelly cookies, one can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For the eggs, a common substitute is flax eggs, made by mixing ground flaxseed with water. Additionally, there are vegan-friendly jelly options available, such as fruit preserves made without gelatin.
Low-Sugar: For those who are looking for a healthier option, there are ways to reduce the sugar content in peanut butter and jelly cookies. One option is to use natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Another option is to use unsweetened peanut butter and jelly. Additionally, reducing the amount of jelly used in the recipe can also lower the sugar content.
Tips for making soft and chewy peanut butter cookies
To make soft and chewy peanut butter cookies, you can use a combination of butter and shortening in the recipe. Adding an extra egg yolk can also help make the cookies more tender. You can also slightly underbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
How can I prevent my peanut butter cookies from crumbling?
To prevent peanut butter cookies from crumbling, make sure to use enough fat in the recipe. You can also add a little extra flour or oats to help bind the cookies together. It’s important not to overbake the cookies as they can become dry and crumbly.
What are some creative variations of peanut butter cookies?
Some creative variations of peanut butter cookies include adding chocolate chips, M&Ms, or chopped nuts to the dough. You can also make sandwich cookies by spreading jelly or Nutella between two cookies. Another option is to make peanut butter thumbprint cookies and fill them with jam or caramel.
What is the best way to store peanut butter cookies?
The best way to store peanut butter cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
How can I make jelly-filled cookies without the jelly leaking out?
To make jelly-filled cookies without the jelly leaking out, you can use a thicker jelly or jam. You can also make a well in the cookie dough and freeze it for a few minutes before adding the jelly. Another option is to use a piping bag to add the jelly to the center of the cookie.
Try more of our favorite Peanut Butter Cookie recipes here!
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Fudge Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Best Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Monster Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Five Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookie in a Mug
- Reese’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
- Fluffernutter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies
PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies a wonderful dessert that combines the flavor of peanut butter with the sweet taste of jelly. These delicious peanut butter and jelly cookies are great for parties, casual gatherings or even to exchange in holiday baking parties.
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