Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a favorite lunchbox staple for generations. But what if you could take that familiar flavor and turn it into a fun dessert? Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandos do just that. They take the classic combo of salty peanut butter and sweet jelly and sandwich it between soft, chewy cookies. It’s the kind of treat that feels nostalgic yet new at the same time.
What Are Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandos?
A cookie sando is exactly what it sounds like: two cookies used as the “bread” to hold a creamy or fruity filling. In this version, buttery peanut butter cookies act as the base while your favorite jelly brings in the sweetness. The result is a hand-held dessert that works well for parties, after-school snacks, or a fun twist on a classic lunch.
Ingredients For The Cookies
The secret to a good PB&J cookie sando is starting with a soft peanut butter cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling, pick a high-quality jelly or jam. Grape and strawberry are the classics, but raspberry or blueberry work great too.
How To Make The Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are simple but packed with peanut butter flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry mix to the peanut butter mix, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls and place them a few inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before filling.
Soft cookies work best for sandwiching because they won’t crack when you bite into them.
How To Assemble The Cookie Sandos
Once your cookies are cool, it’s time to build the sandwiches.
- Spread a spoonful of peanut butter on the flat side of one cookie.
- Spread a spoonful of jelly on the flat side of another cookie.
- Press the two cookies together to form a sandwich.
- Repeat until all cookies are paired up.
If you want extra texture, roll the edges in crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
Tips For Perfect Cookie Sandos
- Use room temperature butter and egg for a smoother dough.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven so they stay soft.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
- For cleaner sandwiches, let the cookies rest at room temp until they’re fully cool so the filling doesn’t melt.
Fun Flavor Twists
PB&J cookie sandos are easy to customize. Try these ideas for a fresh spin:
- Swap regular peanut butter for chunky for a bit of crunch.
- Use almond or cashew butter if you want something different.
- Add a swirl of Nutella with the jelly for extra sweetness.
- Mix some mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished sandwiches and chill until set.
Each variation makes this classic treat feel brand new.
How To Store Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandos
Store assembled sandos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live somewhere warm, keep them in the fridge so the filling stays firm. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
If you want to prep ahead, bake the cookies and freeze them plain. When you’re ready, thaw, fill, and enjoy fresh sandos anytime.
Perfect For All Ages
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandos bring a playful twist to gatherings. Serve them at birthday parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them with a glass of milk after dinner. They’re easy enough for kids to help make too. Let them choose the jelly, spread the filling, and build their own treat.
Nutritional Note
Like any cookie, these sandos are a treat to enjoy in moderation. Each sando usually has about 250 to 300 calories, mostly from the peanut butter and sugar. If you want to lighten it up, use natural peanut butter with no added sugar and a low-sugar jam.
Try This Twist On PB&J
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandos prove that you can take something familiar and turn it into something fun. With just a few pantry staples, you get a dessert that feels homemade, comforting, and a bit playful.
Next time you’re craving cookies or want to impress with a unique snack, bake up a batch of soft peanut butter cookies and sandwich them with your favorite jelly. You’ll have a sweet, satisfying treat that everyone will love.