These Brown Butter PB & J Cookies take the beloved flavors of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to a whole new level. The addition of nutty, caramelized brown butter elevates these cookies, making them rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or looking for a unique treat, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and packed with layers of flavor. Let’s dive into the details to get started!

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Perfect flavor balance: Nutty, buttery richness meets tangy fruitiness.
• Simple yet sophisticated: Easy to make but feels like a gourmet treat.
• Family-friendly: A nostalgic twist on a classic favorite.
• Customizable: Choose your favorite jam flavors to make it your own.

Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

To create these cookies with ease, gather the following tools:

• Sheet pan: Ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.
• Large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop: Keeps cookies uniform in size for even baking.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Speeds up mixing and ensures smooth, well-combined dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup hassle-free.
• Teaspoon measure: For precise filling of the jam centers.

Importance of Each Tool

• The stand mixer simplifies creaming butter and sugars, a key step for cookie texture.
• A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies, so they bake uniformly.
• Parchment paper eliminates sticking and avoids excess cleanup.

Ingredients List

Gather these ingredients before starting:

Wet Ingredients:

• 10 tbsp butter (for browning).
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed).
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar.
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract.
• 1 large egg (room temperature).
• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural).

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¼ C + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
• ½ tsp baking soda.
• ½ tsp kosher salt.

Filling:

• ¼-⅓ cup strawberry preserves (or your preferred flavor).

Preparation Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients, especially eggs and peanut butter, to ensure even mixing.
• Prepare the brown butter in advance for convenience. Store in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before using.
• Chill the dough if it becomes too soft when handling, especially after adding the jam.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Brown Butter

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat.
2. Stir continuously with a spatula to prevent burning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
3. Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.

2. Mix the Dough

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Cream on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and mix for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate the peanut butter and mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until no dry pockets remain.

3. Shape and Fill Cookies

1. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3-4 tbsp), portion the dough into balls.
2. Use your thumb to press a well into the center of each ball.
3. Fill the well with 1 tsp of strawberry preserves.
4. Carefully seal the well by pinching the dough around the jam and rolling the ball gently to reshape. It’s okay if some jam peeks through!

4. Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spacing them 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
3. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes for Perfect Cookies

• For a gooey center, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the tray.
• If you prefer firmer cookies, bake for the full 14 minutes.
• Experiment with different jams, like raspberry or apricot, to match your flavor preferences.

Brown Butter PB & J Cookies: Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Once your Brown Butter PB & J Cookies are fresh out of the oven, the next step is enjoying them to the fullest. From perfect pairings to side dish recommendations, this guide ensures your cookies shine as the centerpiece of any dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Warm: Enjoy the cookies slightly warm for a soft texture and gooey jam center.
• Pair with Beverages: Perfect with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.
• Presentation: Stack cookies on a platter with fresh fruit or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Gift Option: Wrap in cellophane bags with ribbon for a homemade gift.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Overmixing the Dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
2. Underfilling with Jam: Too little jam will be overwhelmed by the cookie dough. Use a full teaspoon for the best flavor balance.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Let cookies rest on the sheet tray to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Crowding the Baking Tray: Bake only 3-4 cookies per sheet to allow for proper spreading.
5. Using the Wrong Peanut Butter: Stick to creamy peanut butter for smooth, consistent texture.

Side Dish Recommendations

Pair your cookies with these delightful options to create a complete dessert experience:

1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the nutty richness of the cookies while cooling the palate.

2. Strawberry Shortcake

Enhance the fruity notes of the preserves by serving the cookies alongside this strawberry-forward dessert.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

A refreshing bowl of fruit balances the richness of the cookies with natural sweetness and acidity.

4. Peanut Butter Milkshake

For PB&J lovers, pair the cookies with a thick, creamy peanut butter milkshake to double down on flavor.

5. Chocolate Ganache Dip

Melted chocolate ganache provides a decadent dipping option, adding a luxurious twist to these cookies.

6. Greek Yogurt with Honey

This light, tangy pairing contrasts beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness and adds a healthier twist to dessert time.

7. Warm Apple Cider

The spiced warmth of apple cider makes it a cozy complement, especially in cooler months.

8. Cheesecake Bites

Mini cheesecake bites add a rich, creamy element to your dessert spread and work well with the cookies’ peanut butter and jam flavors.

Brown Butter PB & J Cookies: Tips, Storage, and FAQs

Now that your Brown Butter PB & J Cookies are baked and paired with delightful accompaniments, let’s focus on ensuring they stay fresh, troubleshooting common questions, and perfecting your baking process.

Recipe Tips

To elevate your baking experience and results, follow these expert tips:

• Make-Ahead Brown Butter: Prepare brown butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Chill for Control: If your dough feels sticky or too soft to handle, chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping and filling.
• Experiment with Jams: Switch up the preserves to suit your taste—raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam can add variety.
• Add a Crunch: For extra texture, roll the cookie dough balls in finely chopped peanuts before baking.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

1. At Room Temperature:
   • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
   • Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
3. Freezing:
   • Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag to maintain freshness.

Reheating

• Microwave: Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds to soften the texture and enhance the jam’s gooeyness.
• Oven: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions to help you troubleshoot and customize your cookies:

Conclusion

These Brown Butter PB & J Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. The nutty richness of the brown butter, combined with the fruity burst of jam, makes them a standout dessert for any occasion.

What’s Next?

• Bake a batch and share your experience in the comments below!
• Experiment with different flavors and let us know your favorite variations!

Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a gathering, or indulging solo, these cookies are guaranteed to delight. Ready to get baking? Your next PB&J adventure starts now!