Easy & Delicious PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies: A Timeless Treat for All Ages
Dive into a world of nostalgic flavors with these incredible PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies. Imagine the comforting taste of creamy peanut butter perfectly balanced with sweet, fruity jelly, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie. This recipe brings together two beloved classic flavors in a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned cookie connoisseurs.
These peanut butter and jelly cookies are not only a delicious treat but also incredibly convenient. The “slice and bake” method means you can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and then simply slice and bake whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. Perfect for a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these slice and bake cookies offer a wonderful combination of nutty richness and vibrant fruitiness that’s truly irresistible.
The Delicious History of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
The journey of peanut butter and jelly cookies is a fascinating one, deeply rooted in American culinary history. The story begins in the early 1900s, a pivotal time when peanut butter transitioned from a health food for invalids to a mainstream pantry staple across the United States. Its creamy texture and high protein content made it an instant hit.
While peanut butter found its way into various recipes, the innovative idea of combining it with jelly, particularly in cookie form, is believed to have gained significant traction in the 1950s. This era saw the rise of the iconic peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a lunchbox essential and a quick, satisfying meal for families nationwide. As this sandwich became a cultural phenomenon, home bakers naturally began to explore new ways to enjoy this beloved flavor pairing. It wasn’t long before the familiar combination made its way into baked goods, leading to the creation of peanut butter and jelly cookies.
Over the decades, these delightful cookies have evolved, with countless variations emerging. Bakers have experimented with different types of peanut butter – from classic creamy to robust crunchy – and a rainbow of jellies and jams, including traditional grape, sweet strawberry, tangy raspberry, and even exotic fruit preserves. Despite these creative interpretations, the fundamental appeal remains constant: the harmonious blend of nutty, savory peanut butter with sweet, fruity jelly. This enduring charm has solidified peanut butter and jelly cookies as a timeless and cherished treat that continues to bring joy to generations.
Why You’ll Adore This PB&J Cookie Recipe
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: This recipe stands out for its straightforward approach, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. With just a few common pantry ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies without any fuss. The “slice and bake” method further simplifies the process, allowing for flexible baking schedules and minimal last-minute effort.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: These cookies are a guaranteed hit with both children and adults. The nostalgic combination of sweet, fruity jelly and rich, creamy peanut butter evokes happy memories and creates a comforting flavor profile that appeals to everyone. They are perfect for school lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a delightful treat at any family gathering.
- Incredibly Versatile for Customization: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to unleash your creativity! You can easily swap out strawberry jam for any other favorite jelly or jam flavor, such as grape, raspberry, apricot, or even a spicy pepper jelly for an adventurous twist. For a different experience, try filling them with Nutella, chocolate spread, or even a caramel drizzle. Experiment with various types of peanut butter – crunchy for added texture, or almond/cashew butter for a unique nutty flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for extra flair!
Essential Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking perfect cookies. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for these delightful peanut butter and jelly slice and bake cookies:
Butter: You’ll need ½ cup of softened unsalted butter. Butter is crucial for creating that rich, tender texture and classic flavor. When softened to room temperature, it creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air and contributing to a light, airy cookie crumb. It also helps achieve that desirable golden-brown edge during baking.
Sugar: Using ½ cup of granulated sugar ensures your cookies will be wonderfully soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the peanut butter and jelly. Sugar also helps with moisture retention and browning.
Peanut butter: Incorporate ½ cup of creamy peanut butter. This is the heart of our cookie’s signature flavor! Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth, consistent texture throughout the dough, delivering that irresistible nutty taste in every bite. Choose a good quality, natural peanut butter for the best flavor, avoiding overly oily or sugary varieties.
Strawberry jam: For an amazing fruity burst, add ½ cup of strawberry jam. The sweet and slightly tart strawberry jam perfectly balances the richness of the peanut butter, creating the quintessential PB&J experience. You can easily substitute with your favorite jam or jelly, like grape or raspberry, if preferred.
Egg: Just 1 large egg acts as a vital binding agent in the dough, holding all the ingredients together. It also adds moisture and richness, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture and helping it rise slightly during baking.
Vanilla extract: A generous 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates and enhances all the other flavors in this cookie dough. Its warm, aromatic notes complement both the peanut butter and the jam, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.
Flour: You will need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Flour provides the primary structure for the cookies. Measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid a dense cookie.
Baking powder: One of our leavening agents is 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder. It helps the cookies puff up lightly and creates a tender crumb, reacting with moisture and heat during baking.
Baking soda: Alongside baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda serves as the second leavening agent. It reacts with the acidic components (like the jam and some peanut butters) to ensure these cookies rise beautifully and achieve that soft, chewy texture. This combination of leavening agents is key for perfect cookie lift and spread.
Salt: A small but mighty ½ teaspoon of salt is crucial. It doesn’t just add saltiness; it balances and enhances all the other flavors, making the sweetness of the jam and the nuttiness of the peanut butter truly shine. Never skip the salt in baking!
Peanuts: For an incredible crunch and intensified peanut flavor, incorporate ½ cup of chopped peanuts. These add a delightful textural contrast to the soft cookie and creamy filling, making each bite even more satisfying. You can use roasted, unsalted peanuts for the best results.
Crafting Your Own PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ final texture. Next, add the creamy peanut butter and strawberry jam to the bowl. Continue to beat with the electric mixer until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and uniform mixture.
Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla. To the creamy mixture, add the large egg and the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of uneven texture in your baked cookies.
Step 4: Add Dry to Wet. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture in two separate additions. After each addition, mix on low speed until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Peanuts. Finally, gently stir in the chopped peanuts. Fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed, adding a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor to every bite.
Chilling the Dough
Step 6: Form and Chill Logs. Divide the prepared cookie dough into two equal portions. On a clean surface or a piece of plastic wrap, shape each portion into an 8-inch long log. The logs should be firm and uniform in thickness. Carefully wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent air exposure. Place these wrapped dough logs into the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 6 hours. This chilling period is crucial: it firms up the butter in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more robust and delicious cookie. You can even chill the dough overnight for enhanced flavor and easier slicing.
Baking to Perfection
Step 7: Preheat and Prepare. Once your cookie dough has sufficiently chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 8: Slice and Arrange. Retrieve the firm cookie dough logs from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut each dough log into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange these cookie dough slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading.
Step 9: Bake and Cool. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will set as they cool. Do not overbake! Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies stand on the hot sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on the rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms.
Serve your freshly baked PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Delightful Variations of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
While the classic PB&J cookie is perfect on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for various dietary needs and creative twists. Here are some ways to adapt this beloved recipe:
Gluten-Free Options: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, enjoying these delicious cookies is still entirely possible. Instead of traditional wheat flour, you can opt for a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which often contains a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum for structure. Another excellent alternative is almond flour or oat flour (ensure certified gluten-free if necessary). Be aware that using alternative flours might slightly alter the texture; gluten-free cookies can sometimes be a bit more crumbly or denser. You might need to add a touch more liquid or an extra egg yolk to achieve the desired consistency.
Vegan-Friendly Alternatives: Transforming these cookies into a vegan treat is quite simple with a few substitutions. Replace the butter with a good quality plant-based vegan butter stick or refined coconut oil (which won’t impart a coconut flavor). For the egg, popular vegan substitutes include a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like), a “chia egg” (same ratio as flax egg), or even 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana for added moisture. Ensure your chosen jam or jelly is vegan, as some contain gelatin. Most fruit-only preserves are naturally vegan.
Lower-Sugar Versions: If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, these cookies can easily be modified. Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or a blend of sugar substitutes. You can also use unsweetened, natural peanut butter (check labels for hidden sugars) and fruit-sweetened jams or preserves, which rely solely on fruit sugars. Alternatively, simply reduce the amount of sugar and jam used in the recipe to your preference. Remember that sugar not only sweetens but also affects texture, so adjustments might lead to a slightly different crumb.
PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
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Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and strawberry jam, then beat again until well combined.
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Add the large egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until evenly combined. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture in two additions, mixing well after each addition until no dry flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the chopped peanuts, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and carefully shape each portion into an 8-inch-long log. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dough to firm up and flavors to develop.
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Bake the Cookies: Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Retrieve the cookie dough logs from the fridge and carefully remove the plastic wrap from each. Using a sharp knife, cut the cookie dough into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to stand on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Alternatively, you can extend their shelf life significantly by freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition
Expert Tips for Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
Achieving that perfectly soft and chewy texture in your peanut butter cookies is a hallmark of a great baker. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your PB&J slice and bake cookies come out wonderfully tender every time:
- Use a Blend of Fats: While butter provides excellent flavor, incorporating a small amount of shortening (like ½ cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening) can help keep cookies extra soft and prevent them from spreading too much. Shortening has a higher melting point and creates a more tender crumb.
- Add an Extra Egg Yolk: Egg yolks are rich in fat and emulsifiers, which contribute significantly to tenderness and chewiness. Adding an extra egg yolk to your dough (while keeping the original whole egg) can result in an incredibly soft and rich cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies rather than soft ones.
- Slightly Underbake: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for chewy cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven when their edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft or underbaked. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack, resulting in that desired chewy interior.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at proper room temperature. This allows them to emulsify correctly, creating a smooth, homogenous dough that bakes evenly and yields a better texture.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: As mentioned in the recipe, chilling is not just for ease of slicing. It also helps the fats in the dough solidify, preventing excessive spreading and ensuring a thicker, chewier cookie.
Preventing Your Peanut Butter Cookies from Crumbling
Crumbling cookies can be frustrating, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect bite. Peanut butter cookies, due to their high fat content, can sometimes be prone to crumbling if not prepared correctly. Here’s how you can ensure your cookies hold together beautifully:
- Adequate Fat Content: Ensure your recipe includes sufficient fat, typically butter or a combination of butter and shortening. Fat acts as a tenderizer and helps bind the dry ingredients, preventing a dry, crumbly texture. If your cookies are consistently crumbling, you might slightly increase the butter (by 1-2 tablespoons) in your next batch.
- Proper Moisture Balance: An appropriate balance of wet and dry ingredients is key. If the dough is too dry, it will crumble easily. Adding a little extra liquid, such as an extra egg yolk or a teaspoon of milk, can introduce more moisture to bind the flour. Conversely, too much flour can also lead to dryness. Measure your flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is a common culprit for dry, crumbly cookies. As cookies bake, moisture evaporates. If baked too long, too much moisture is lost, making them brittle. Follow the baking time closely and remove cookies when the edges are set and lightly golden, even if the centers seem slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Good Binding Agents: Eggs are excellent binding agents. Ensure your egg is fresh and properly incorporated into the dough. For vegan variations, ensure your egg substitute (like flax egg) provides sufficient binding power.
- Chill the Dough: While chilling primarily helps with spread, it also allows the ingredients to fully hydrate and meld, creating a more cohesive dough that is less likely to crumble after baking.
Creative Variations of Peanut Butter Cookies (Beyond PB&J)
Peanut butter cookies are a versatile canvas for creativity. While we adore the PB&J combination, here are some other innovative ways to elevate your peanut butter cookie game and surprise your taste buds:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) into half of your peanut butter cookie dough. Then, lightly swirl the two doughs together before chilling and baking for a beautiful marbled effect and a double flavor punch.
- Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter: Amp up the chocolate by mixing in a medley of chocolate chips – milk, semi-sweet, and white chocolate chips – directly into the peanut butter cookie dough.
- Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies: Get creative with mix-ins! Beyond traditional chocolate chips, consider adding M&Ms, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, mini marshmallows, pretzel bits for a salty crunch, or even a blend of different chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra texture.
- Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: After baking and cooling your peanut butter cookies, transform them into irresistible sandwich cookies. Fill them with a creamy peanut butter frosting, a rich chocolate ganache, a dollop of Nutella, or even a swirl of marshmallow fluff for a “fluffernutter” experience.
- Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies: Gently press your thumb (or the back of a rounded measuring spoon) into the center of each dough ball before baking. After baking, fill the indentation with your favorite jam, caramel, chocolate spread, or a mini peanut butter cup.
- Spicy Peanut Butter Cookies: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to your cookie dough. The subtle heat will surprisingly enhance the peanut butter flavor.
- Gourmet Drizzle: Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a simple peanut butter glaze for an elegant finish and an extra layer of flavor.
Optimal Storage for Peanut Butter Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious peanut butter cookies fresh, soft, and flavorful for as long as possible. Here are the best ways to store them:
- At Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment or consumption within a week, store your peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. A cookie jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing, as any residual warmth can create condensation and make them soggy. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Freezing for Longer Shelf Life: If you’ve baked a large batch or want to enjoy fresh cookies later, freezing is an excellent option. Once the cookies have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
- Storing Cookie Dough Logs: The beauty of slice and bake cookies is the ability to store the dough. Wrap the unbaked dough logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the log slightly in the refrigerator for an hour or so until it’s firm enough to slice, then proceed with baking as directed.
Tips for Jelly-Filled Cookies Without the Leaks
Jelly-filled cookies are a delightful treat, but nothing is more disheartening than a leaky, sticky mess. Here’s how you can prevent your delicious jelly from escaping during baking:
- Choose the Right Jelly or Jam: The consistency of your filling matters. Opt for a thicker jam or preserve rather than a runny jelly. Fruit preserves with actual fruit pieces tend to be less likely to leak. Jellies with high pectin content also hold their shape better. Avoid thin, syrup-like jellies.
- Create a Deep Well: If you’re making thumbprint-style cookies, press a sufficiently deep indentation into the cookie dough before baking. This creates a secure “cup” for the jelly. Don’t overfill it.
- Pre-bake the Cookie Shell (Optional): For some recipes (though not strictly necessary for slice and bake), you can slightly pre-bake the cookie dough shell for 5-7 minutes until just set. Then, remove it from the oven, add the jelly, and continue baking. This helps the cookie create a barrier before the jelly gets too hot.
- Freeze the Dough with the Well: After forming the cookie dough balls and pressing in the indentation, place the dough in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before adding the jelly. A firm, cold dough is less likely to collapse and allows the jelly to set quickly once it hits the hot oven.
- Fill After Baking (for some styles): For certain types of jelly cookies, especially thumbprints, you can bake the cookies completely and then fill the indentation with jam once the cookies have cooled. This completely eliminates any risk of leakage and keeps the jelly looking vibrant. While this recipe swirls the jam into the dough, for other variations, this is a great tip.
- Use a Piping Bag for Precision: If you’re aiming for a neat, centralized dollop of jelly, use a piping bag with a small, round tip (or simply snip the corner off a Ziploc bag) to dispense the jelly into the cookie dough’s center. This gives you more control over the amount and placement.
- Seal the Edges (for enclosed fillings): If you’re creating a fully enclosed jelly-filled cookie, ensure the edges of the dough are tightly crimped or sealed around the filling to prevent any escape routes.
Discover More of Our Favorite Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the classic taste of peanut butter in your cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a whole collection of irresistible peanut butter cookie recipes that cater to every craving. Explore these other delightful options to expand your baking repertoire:
- 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
Ultimately, these PB&J Slice and Bake Cookies stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic flavor combinations. They are not merely cookies; they are a wonderful dessert that elegantly marries the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the vibrant, sweet taste of fruity jelly. These delicious peanut butter and jelly cookies are perfectly suited for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, looking for a comforting treat, or participating in festive holiday baking exchanges. Their ease of preparation and universally loved taste make them a staple for any home baker.
