Peanut Butter And Jelly Jewels
Chewy, sweet peanut butter and jelly cookies with a soft center filled with cherry preserves or glace cherries, perfect for satisfying cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Combine sugars in a large mixer bowl.
- Add peanut butter and softened butter; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually beat in flour mixture just until blended.
- Refrigerate covered for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on unbuttered cookie sheets 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Use handle of wooden spoon to make deep indentations in the center of each ball.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned and set.
- Cool on cookie sheets until firm enough to lift.
- Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Fill centers with cherry preserves or glace cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. If you prefer a sweeter treat, consider increasing the sugar slightly or adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Ensure you chill the dough for at least an hour to help maintain the cookie shape while baking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniform balls for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cranberry Delight Spread at holiday gatherings or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing them to regain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter And Jelly Jewels contains roughly 897 calories, with 7g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1905mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture! It will give the cookies a delightful crunch, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the overall smoothness of the dough.
What can I substitute for cherry preserves?
If you don't have cherry preserves, you can use any fruit preserves or jam you enjoy, such as strawberry or raspberry. Alternatively, a homemade fruit compote can add a fresh twist to the filling.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and set in the center. They may appear soft right out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool on the cookie sheets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).