PB&J Thumbprint Strawberry Jam (Printable)

Peanut butter cookies filled with strawberry jam create a classic, nostalgic treat for all ages.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

→ Jam Filling

08 - 1/2 cup strawberry jam

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, blend peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt, then mix thoroughly until a uniform dough forms.
04 - Roll dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Using your thumb or a spoon, press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.
06 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each indentation.
07 - Transfer baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly golden.
08 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients everyone has on hand
  • No mixer required and dough comes together in one bowl
  • Perfect chewy peanut butter cookie with a bright fruity jam center
  • Ready to eat in under an hour including prep and baking
  • Great to bake with kids since thumbprints are fun to make together
02 -
  • High in protein thanks to peanut butter
  • Stays soft for several days if stored airtight
  • Ideal recipe for using up almost-empty jam jars in your fridge
  • If you use homemade jam each bite tastes extra special.
03 -
  • Roll dough balls evenly and coat well in sugar so the outside bakes up pretty
  • Use a thick low-water-content jam to avoid runny cookies
  • Press deep but not all the way through for jam wells so the cookies hold their shape
  • If baking with kids make sure to cool the cookies fully so the jam center does not burn little mouths.