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Nostalgic PB&J Thumbprint Cookies

Soft peanut butter cookies filled with gooey jam centers — a nostalgic twist on the classic PB&J that tastes like childhood in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam or grape, raspberry, or mixed
  • granulated sugar for rolling, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
  3. Beat butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until soft dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and optionally coat in sugar.
  7. Press thumbprint into center and fill each with jam.
  8. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use multiple jams for color and flavor variety. Roll in sugar for sparkle and crunch.