These PB & J Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for any occasion. With just six simple ingredients, these cookies bring together the rich taste of peanut butter and the sweetness of jam in a fun and easy way. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free, making them a healthy treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re planning a snack for kids or looking for a guilt-free dessert, these cookies fit the bill perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 20 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute treat.
- Health-Conscious Choice: With no refined sugars or unhealthy fats, you can indulge without the guilt.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet bite.
- Fun to Make: A simple recipe that’s perfect for baking with kids; they’ll love creating their thumbprint cookies!
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of peanut butter and jam gives these cookies a nostalgic taste that will remind you of childhood.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delectable PB & J Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tray
- Baking parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: A sturdy surface for your cookies to bake evenly.
- Baking parchment paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Fork: Perfect for whisking and mixing ingredients together efficiently.
Ingredients
These 6-ingredient PB & J Thumbprint Cookies are so quick, easy and fun to make! They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free and refined sugar-free and they’re healthy too!
Cookie Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Smooth Peanut Butter
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 100 g Ground Almonds (or almond flour)
- ⅛ tsp salt (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Filling Ingredients
- 4 tsp Peanut Butter
- 4 tsp Jam
How to Make PB & J Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan / 375°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with baking parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine Smooth Peanut Butter, Maple Syrup, and Vanilla Extract. Use a fork to whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add in the Ground Almonds, optional Salt, and Baking Powder. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. The mixture should have a cookie dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Measure out eight even pieces of dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then slightly flatten them. Create a well in the center of each cookie using your fingers or a spoon.
Step 5: Fill with Toppings
Tidy up the edges of each cookie. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of Peanut Butter, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen Jam.
Step 6: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Look for a golden color on top. Once done, remove from oven and let cool before enjoying your freshly baked PB & J Cookies!
How to Serve PB & J Cookies
These delightful PB & J Cookies are a fantastic snack that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy them at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with a Glass of Plant-Based Milk
- Almond Milk: A light and nutty flavor that complements the cookies.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and sweet, it enhances the peanut butter taste.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical twist while balancing the flavors.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Bananas: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the nutty cookies.
- Strawberries: A refreshing option that echoes the jam filling.
- Apple Slices: Crisp and juicy, they provide a nice contrast in texture.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic choice that adds creaminess to your cookie experience.
- Almond Milk Ice Cream: Keeps it dairy-free while offering a rich flavor.
- Chocolate Sorbet: For chocolate lovers, this is an indulgent pairing.
Create a PB & J Cookie Sandwich
- Use two cookies with your favorite jam in between for a fun twist on traditional sandwiches.
- Experiment with different jams like raspberry or apricot for unique flavors.
How to Perfect PB & J Cookies
To achieve the best texture and flavor with your PB & J Cookies, follow these simple tips. These will help ensure that each batch turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your peanut butter and jam to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Using precise measurements helps create the right dough consistency, which is crucial for baking success.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be golden but still soft when you take them out of the oven.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve texture during baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth in your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for PB & J Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your PB & J Cookies can elevate your snack time experience. Here’s a list of delicious options that complement these treats well.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to your meal.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy combination of almonds, walnuts, and cashews offers extra protein and healthy fats.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer plant-based yogurt with granola for a satisfying contrast to your cookies.
- Veggie Sticks: Carrot and cucumber sticks provide crunchiness while keeping things healthy.
- Rice Cakes: Light and crispy, they make for a great base when topped with more peanut butter or fruit spreads.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl for a refreshing drinkable treat that pairs well with cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making PB & J Cookies can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts. This will help your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting your cookies cool is crucial. If you try to move them too soon, they may fall apart. Patience pays off for perfect texture!
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Stick with smooth peanut butter for the best consistency in your dough. Chunky varieties can change the texture and make it harder to form cookies.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be just golden when you take them out, as they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
- Not creating enough of a well: Make sure to create a deep enough well in each cookie for the filling. This prevents overflow and keeps your jam and peanut butter secure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store PB & J Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing PB & J Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating PB & J Cookies
- Oven: Preheat at 180°C (350°F) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making PB & J Cookies!
Can I use other nut butters for PB & J Cookies?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer different flavors.
Are PB & J Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! These cookies are made with ground almonds, making them naturally gluten-free.
How do I customize my PB & J Cookies?
Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds to enhance flavor and texture.
What is the best jam for PB & J Cookies?
Use your favorite jam or jelly! Strawberry, raspberry, and grape all work wonderfully.
How can I make these cookies sweeter?
If you’d like sweeter cookies, consider adding an extra teaspoon of maple syrup or using sweetened peanut butter.
Final Thoughts
These PB & J Cookies are not only delightful but also healthy and easy to make. With just six simple ingredients, you can create a delicious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors and toppings!
PB & J Cookies
Experience the joy of baking with these delightful PB & J Cookies, a fun and healthy twist on the classic sandwich. With just six simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to whip up in under 20 minutes. They combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of your favorite jam, making them a perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences while delivering an irresistible taste that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed as an after-school snack or a light dessert, these PB & J Cookies promise nostalgia in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Smooth Peanut Butter
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 100 g Ground Almonds (or almond flour)
- ⅛ tsp salt (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 4 tsp Peanut Butter (for filling)
- 4 tsp Jam (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together smooth peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in ground almonds and baking powder until combined, forming a cookie dough.
- Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and create a well in the center of each with your fingers.
- Fill each well with peanut butter and jam.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
