Name: PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 cup strawberry jam; Melted peanut butter (optional for garnish); Chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 79 reviews

If you adore the nostalgic flavor combo of peanut butter and jelly, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe! These cookies take that classic sandwich to a whole new level with tender, buttery dough, a luscious jam center, and a gorgeous peanut butter drizzle crowned with crunchy chopped peanuts, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and textured delight in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. In the top row from left to right, there is a bowl with light brown sugar, a bowl with creamy peanut butter, and a bowl filled with white flour. Below them, from left to right, are a bowl with dark red jam, a bowl with white granulated sugar, and a bowl with a solid yellow stick of butter. At the bottom row, there is a small bowl with a dark brown liquid (likely vanilla extract), a tiny bowl with white salt, another tiny bowl with white baking powder, and a small bowl with one raw egg yolk. All ingredients are neatly arranged and clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable cookie experience. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, vibrant flavor, and eye-catching look that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth for that chewy, dreamy bite.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The superstar of the show, delivering that unmistakable nutty goodness.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure and body of the cookie dough.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, airy texture.
Kosher salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
Strawberry jam (1/2 cup): The vibrant, fruity center that makes every bite nostalgic and delightful.
Melted peanut butter (optional): For drizzling, adding a gorgeous finish and extra richness.
Chopped peanuts (optional): Sprinkled on top to add irresistible crunch and peanutty flair.

How to Make PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Workspace

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring the butter and egg are at room temperature – this helps everything mix smoothly together. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat the butter until it’s creamy and soft, then add both granulated and brown sugars. Continue to mix until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, setting the foundation for light yet rich cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully blended, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. This combination deepens the flavor and brings the dough together nicely.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt together separately, then gradually add them to your wet mixture. Keep mixing until the dough is mostly combined, being careful to scrape down the sides to avoid pockets of flour.

Step 5: Shape and Press the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on your baking sheet. Dip a fork in flour to prevent sticking, then press a classic crosshatch pattern onto each dough ball, flattening them to about half an inch thick – this is the charming peanut butter cookie hallmark!

Step 6: Add the Jam Center

Spoon the strawberry jam into a small bowl and stir it smooth, then drop about a teaspoon onto the center of each pressed cookie. This juicy burst will bake into a sweet, fruity jewel on top of every cookie.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and set but the center remains soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack – this resting time allows them to finish setting perfectly.

Step 8: Drizzle and Garnish

Finally, drizzle melted peanut butter over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with chopped peanuts. This finishing touch adds both visual appeal and a heavenly texture that’ll have everyone swooning.

How to Serve PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe

The image shows a white plate with several round cookies arranged in rows. Each cookie has two main layers: a soft golden brown base layer with rough texture, and a top layer of dark red jelly filling in the center that shines slightly. Over the cookies, thin lines of light brown sauce are drizzled in a zigzag pattern, and small crushed beige nuts are sprinkled on top and around the cookies. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blurred beige cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped peanuts on top not only gives these cookies an eye-catching crunch but also amps up the nutty flavor. For an extra-special touch, drizzle warm, melted peanut butter right before serving for a glossy, indulgent finish that melts in your mouth.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a fruity cup of iced tea to complement the strawberry jam’s brightness. For a fun snack plate, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies with little parchment paper layers between each one in a beautiful jar or tin for gifting. Or serve them on a wooden board with extra jars of jam and peanut butter for a DIY cookie decorating party that your friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and flavorful, making for an easy grab-and-go treat that tastes as good as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy that perfect peanut butter and jelly flavor anytime.

Reheating

For best results when reheating frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature and then warm briefly in a low oven or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness and brings back that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic and pairs perfectly with peanut butter, you can swap in raspberry, grape, or even apricot jam to make these cookies your own.

What if I prefer chunky peanut butter?

Chunky peanut butter adds extra texture and peanut bits inside the cookie, which can be delicious! Just keep in mind the dough might be slightly less smooth but still tasty and fun.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice, making sure it contains xanthan gum for best texture. The cookies will still be soft and scrumptious!

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require chilling, which means you can mix and bake right away—great for when you want a quick peanut butter and jelly cookie fix.

Why use a fork to press the cookie dough?

The fork creates that iconic crosshatch pattern on the cookies, helping them bake evenly and giving them that classic peanut butter cookie look that’s both charming and traditional.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, baking this PB&J Cookies with Peanut Butter Drizzle and Chopped Peanuts Recipe will brighten your day and bring back all the warm, cozy feelings of childhood in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep coming back to. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve it!