Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavours of peanut butter and the sweet tang of jam, creating a nostalgic experience for anyone who takes a bite. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cosy evening at home or a festive gathering with family and friends. With their soft centres and slightly crispy edges, they offer a lovely contrast in texture. Plus, they’re simple to make, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Gather Your Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies Ingredients
To whip up a batch of these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 60g (1/4 cup) creamy peanut butter, well stirred
- 50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 25g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 90g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 30-45g (2 to 3 tablespoons) jelly or jam, slightly warmed
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies Recipe
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Cream Together: In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugars together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Combine the Liquid Ingredients: Add the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract to the mixture, then mix until everything is well combined.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine salt.
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Bring it All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until no dry patches remain.
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Chill the Dough: Once combined, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Shape the Cookies: After chilling, portion the dough into 8 to 10 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
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Create Wells: Using your thumb, make a shallow well in the centre of each cookie ball.
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Add the Jam: Warm your chosen jelly or jam in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds until it becomes slightly loose. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each well.
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Swirl the Jam: Take a toothpick and gently swirl the jam into the cookie dough, being careful not to mix it in completely.
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Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centres are slightly puffed.
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Cool Down: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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Perfecting the Shape: For neat, round cookies, use a round cookie cutter to nudge the edges right after you take them out of the oven.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies
These Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the jam is still gooey. You can serve them on a beautiful platter for a lovely presentation or simply in a jar for a rustic touch. Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a comforting snack. They also make a fantastic treat to share at gatherings, adding a homemade touch that everyone will appreciate.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Jam Choices: Feel free to experiment with different flavours of jam such as raspberry, strawberry, or even orange marmalade to add a unique twist to your cookies.
- Nutty Addition: For an extra crunch, you could add chopped nuts, like peanuts or walnuts, into the dough before chilling.
- Dough Freezing: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the dough. Just portion out the balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies!
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies should stay fresh for about a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can experiment with other flours, such as almond flour or whole wheat flour, to give the cookies a different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final result slightly.
Baking Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies is a fantastic way to bring a bit of joy into your kitchen. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every scrumptious bite! Happy baking!