PBJ Thumbprint Cookies

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Delights

Turn your favorite PB&J flavors into indulgent cookies. Soft peanut butter cookies stuffed with strawberry jam, drizzled with more peanut butter, and sprinkled with nuts.

Mena
Updated on Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:05:44 GMT
Close shot of a peanut butter thumbprint cookie filled with jelly and drizzled with peanut butter. Save
Close shot of a peanut butter thumbprint cookie filled with jelly and drizzled with peanut butter. | delishdocket.com

Late at night, when I get the urge to bake, I dreamed up these PB&J cookies. Missing those classic sandwiches from my childhood, I got curious if I could turn that combo into something sweet and chewy. Dozens of kitchen experiments later, I finally made these winners. Every bite feels like a nostalgic hug—soft, jammy, and totally comforting.

Unbeatable Cookie Bliss

Baking a batch of these fills my place with the coziest smells—think creamy peanut butter and bubbling jam. The excitement seeing the cookies turn just golden, cradling their gooey jam pockets, is real. Wanna know the best part? You probably have all the stuff you need already in your pantry.

Stuff You'll Grab

  • Leaveners: These help your cookies puff up just right.
  • Fresh Egg: Bringing it to room temp makes everything mix up smoother.
  • Your Favorite Jam: I love strawberry, but honestly, any flavor that's calling your name works.
  • Both Sugars: A mix of brown for that chewy bite and white for a sweet sparkle.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy’s my pick, but crunchy has its fans.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This is what holds it all together.
Baking stuff in little bowls—different flours, sugars, butter, eggs, and jams—spread out on a plain background. Save
Baking stuff in little bowls—different flours, sugars, butter, eggs, and jams—spread out on a plain background. | delishdocket.com

Switch It Up

When I need a nut-free batch, almond or sunbutter swap in perfectly. For my gluten-free buddies, a trusty flour blend does the trick, one-to-one. Pick any jam your crew likes—my kids vote grape, but I sneak in raspberry for a change.

Let’s Get Mixing

Toss your dry items together first—it builds a solid start. Next up, whip butter with sugars until everything’s super fluffy. Watch it turn smooth once you swirl in peanut butter. Makes the best dough to play with.

Shaping Fun

Roll little dough balls in sugar for a sweet sparkle. Press down with a spoon or your thumb to make jam wells; either works. Slow down with this part—the jammy centers are pure magic.

Step-by-step pics: dry ingredients in one bowl, then a creamy, doughy mix in a saucepan, all stirred with a wooden spoon. Save
Step-by-step pics: dry ingredients in one bowl, then a creamy, doughy mix in a saucepan, all stirred with a wooden spoon. | delishdocket.com

Baking Groove

Stick close while these bake—my oven nails it around 14 minutes. Once your cookies turn pale gold along the sides and start cracking on top, you’ve nailed that chewy bite.

Amped-Up Treat

If you wanna impress, go for a stuffed twist. Freeze clumps of peanut butter and jam, then fold dough around them. Bake and bite into the gooey-oozy center. Trust me, it’s next-level delicious.

Stay Fresh Tips

They keep super soft for days if sealed tight. Though honestly, they vanish fast at my place! I usually whip up double and toss half the dough in the freezer for a cookie craving later.

Prep Like a Pro

Chilling your dough ahead only makes the flavor shine. I usually throw it in the fridge the night before a get-together. Fresh cookies with coffee—guaranteed smiles all around.

Top Tricks

Go easy when mixing—it keeps your cookies tender. Room-temp everything is key for smooth blending. Oh, and spring for the good jam—you really taste the difference.

Fun Variations

  • Choco Fan: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a killer upgrade.
  • No Nuts: Swap in sunbutter for a safe, nut-free treat.
  • Jam Explorers: Apricot jam turns these into something totally different and awesome.

Sharing the Happiness

Pour a glass of iced milk or brew some coffee—these cookies fit every vibe. I’ve set them out for birthday parties, coffee chats, even fancy dinners. No one ever says no to one.

FAQs I Hear

  • Crunchy peanut butter? Go for it, you’ll just get a bit more crunch.
  • Which jam? I say seedless is smoothest, but whatever you like is fine.
  • Can you freeze them? Yup, the dough freezes best, but baked ones work too.

Cookie Magic

Pals always ask for these PB&J treats—they’re the star at our get-togethers. Each bite brings back those after-school laughs and makes fresh memories too. Can’t beat a cookie that feels like a warm hug.

Close-up of a PB cookie crowned with raspberry jam and a peanut butter drizzle, scattered peanuts nearby on the tray. Save
Close-up of a PB cookie crowned with raspberry jam and a peanut butter drizzle, scattered peanuts nearby on the tray. | delishdocket.com

Summary

These cookies take the beloved PB&J sandwich and turn it into a sweet treat. Sugar-coated peanut butter cookies are filled with fruity jam, drizzled with creamy peanut butter, and finished with chopped nuts for a flavor-packed bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s the point of chilling the dough?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes keeps cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It’s not required, but it helps them hold their shape better.

→ Can I change the jam flavor?

Definitely! Any fruit jam or jelly works here. Grape, raspberry, or strawberry are all great with peanut butter.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight box on the counter for a few days, or pop them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week. They’re yummy cold too!

→ What does cookie scooting mean?

Right when you remove cookies from the oven, take a round cutter or glass and gently press around the edges to reshape them into perfect circles.

→ Can I freeze them?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight, then add fresh jam before eating for the best taste.

PBJ Thumbprint Cookies

Chewy peanut butter cookies coated in sugar, filled with jelly, topped with peanut drizzle and chopped nuts.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
By: Mena

Category: Desserts & Baking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups of plain flour.
02 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
03 1/2 teaspoon each of baking soda and powder.
04 1/2 cup soft butter.
05 1/2 cup each of brown sugar and regular sugar.
06 1 big egg at room temperature.
07 1 cup of smooth peanut butter.
08 2 tsp vanilla extract.
09 1/4 cup sugar for coating.
10 1 cup of strawberry jelly.
11 1/4 cup chopped peanuts and some melted peanut butter for decoration.

Steps

Step 01

Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.

Step 02

Whip butter and sugars together. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and egg. Slowly mix in dry stuff.

Step 03

Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Set the oven to 350°F.

Step 04

Roll dough into balls, coat them in sugar, press a hollow spot, and add jelly.

Step 05

Pop into the oven for 14-15 mins. Use a round tool to fix shape while hot if needed.

Step 06

Add more jelly if you want, drizzle melted peanut butter, toss peanuts on top, and let them cool fully.

Notes

  1. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
  2. You can also make these as filled cookies.

Required Tools

  • Mixer (hand or stand).
  • Scoop for dough.

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Nuts.
  • Milk products.
  • Egg.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Proteins: 5 g