Food

Peanut Butter & Jelly Surprise Cookies

Few flavor combinations are as comforting and timeless as peanut butter and jelly. This month’s featured recipe puts a fun twist on the classic pairing with Peanut Butter & Jelly Surprise cookies — a soft, golden cookie with a sweet jelly center tucked inside.

These cookies are simple to make and perfect for sharing with family, friends, or grandchildren. With familiar pantry ingredients and easy steps, they’re a great choice for bakers of all experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat or a cozy afternoon baking project, this recipe delivers both flavor and fun.

The dough comes together quickly, rolling out smoothly and holding the jelly filling without mess. Once baked, the cookies have a lightly crisp exterior with a warm, fruity center that truly feels like a “surprise” in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 9 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Grape or strawberry jelly

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, ¾ cup sugar, and baking powder. Cut in peanut butter and butter using two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. In a small bowl, mix milk and vanilla extract until blended.
  3. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and stir well. Divide dough in half.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Roll each half of dough between sheets of plastic wrap to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles.
  6. Place half of the cutouts on an ungreased baking sheet, about one inch apart. Add about ½ teaspoon of jelly to the center of each.
  7. Top with remaining cutouts. Press edges together with a fork and pierce tops several times with a toothpick.
  8. Lightly sprinkle tops with sugar.
  9. Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. Enjoy!

Baking Tip

For easier handling, chill the dough slightly before rolling. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar topping or skip it entirely.

This classic recipe is a reminder that sometimes the best treats come from simple ingredients and familiar flavors — made with care and shared with others.