Classic Peanut Butter Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Classic thumbprint cookies featuring rich peanut butter dough rolled in sugar and filled with vibrant jelly. The tender, slightly crispy texture pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart jelly center, making these ideal for lunch boxes, bake sales, or afternoon snacks. What sets this version apart is the generous peanut butter base that stays soft while developing golden edges, creating the perfect contrast to the bright jelly filling.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture slightly
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling
- ½ cup favorite jelly
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cream together butter and peanut butter until smooth
- 3
Add sugars and cream until really creamy
- 4
Mix in vanilla and egg until well combined
- 5
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- 6
Gradually add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, mixing until well-combined
- 7
Scoop tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls
- 8
Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place on baking sheet
- 9
Press thumb or finger into center to form indentation
- 10
Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are firm
- 11
Cool completely before filling indentations with jelly
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture in the final cookies.
Make indentations deep enough to hold jelly but not so deep that they break through the bottom.
Wait until cookies are completely cool before adding jelly to prevent melting and running.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or cookies can be baked without jelly and filled before serving
Best served at room temperature within 2-3 days of filling with jelly
Common Mistakes
Add jelly only after cookies are completely cool to prevent melting and running
Don't overbake or cookies will become hard instead of tender
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
may affect texture slightly
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it's well-stirred and at room temperature. Natural peanut butter may result in slightly less sweet cookies.
How long do these cookies keep?
Unfilled cookies keep 1 week in airtight container. Once filled with jelly, consume within 2-3 days for best texture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll into balls and freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.