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Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

A nostalgic, handheld treat that pairs classic PB&J flavor with tender, buttery cookie texture — perfect for lunchboxes, bake sales, or a cozy snack.

  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup jelly or jam of choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and incorporated.
  4. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined — don’t overmix.
  5. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Create an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb or a small spoon.
  7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jelly or jam.
  8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use a creamy peanut butter for smooth texture; natural peanut butter may change spread and texture due to oil separation. Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cookies, peanut butter, jelly, dessert, snack