Revisit the cherished flavors of your childhood with a batch of Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic PB&J sandwich. These cookies blend the irresistible taste of creamy peanut butter with the sweet tanginess of homemade strawberry jam, all wrapped up in a chewy cookie that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cookies are straightforward to make and perfect for sharing or indulging in a little nostalgia.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Jam:
- 16 oz strawberries, trimmed and halved
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or similar recommended)
For the Peanut Butter Ganache:
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- 5 tablespoon heavy cream
Directions:
- Strawberry Jam: In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan, add sugar and vanilla, and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Allow the jam to cool completely before using.
- Cookie Dough: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla, then stir in the peanut butter. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet, pressing a small indent into the center of each with your thumb. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Reshape the indents if necessary while the cookies are still warm. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Peanut Butter Ganache: Combine the peanut butter chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Cool slightly, then whip until fluffy.
- Assemble: Fill each cookie indent with a dollop of peanut butter ganache and a spoonful of strawberry jam. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted peanut butter chips and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a journey back to the simple joys of childhood, reimagined in cookie form. Perfect for any occasion, from after-school snacks to special gatherings, these cookies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of nostalgia!