If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly, look no further! These Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with creamy cheesecake and a swirl of your favorite jam – it’s a dessert that brings smiles and satisfaction.
These cookies are not just any ordinary treat; they are a tribute to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. With a deliciously creamy cheesecake center, they offer a unique twist that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, these cookies will surely be a hit.
Decadent Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Cookies
Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Cookies bring a delightful fusion of flavors that many people cherish. With each bite, you’re greeted by the soft texture of the cookie, perfectly complemented by the creamy cheesecake filling at its core.
The addition of a colorful jam swirl on top adds not only vibrancy but also a burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty undertones of peanut butter. These treats are an homage to the childhood favorite of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, reinvented in a cookie form.
Ingredients That Shine
The magic of these cookies starts with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Creamy peanut butter serves as a base, bringing a rich and nutty flavor that is both comforting and indulgent.
Granulated and brown sugar provide the sweetness needed to balance the savory notes of peanut butter, while the cream cheese adds a rich creaminess to the filling. And let’s not forget the jam—whether you choose strawberry, grape, or another favorite, it adds a fruity twist that is hard to resist.
Making the Dough
Creating the dough for these cookies is a straightforward process that involves mixing the creamy peanut butter with sugars, an egg, and just a hint of vanilla extract. This combination yields a wonderfully aromatic and rich dough.
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, you’ll gradually fold in the dry ingredients, creating a thick and sumptuous cookie base. This dough serves as the perfect vessel for the creamy cheesecake filling that awaits inside.
Crafting the Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake filling is perhaps one of the most delightful components of this recipe. Made from softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, this filling is whipped until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
This step is crucial as it allows the filling to maintain its form within the cookie while providing that luscious cheesecake experience with every bite. It’s essential to ensure that the cream cheese is adequately softened, as this makes mixing much more manageable and results in a velvety filling.
Assembling and Baking
Once your dough and filling are prepared, the fun of assembly begins! Take a scoop of the peanut butter dough and flatten it slightly before placing a dollop of the cheesecake filling in the center. Topping it with another layer of dough and sealing the edges creates a delightful surprise for anyone who bites into one.
Baking these cookies is a simple process. They typically take around 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven, and you’ll know they are ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown. But the magic doesn’t stop there!
The Finishing Touch with Jam
After baking, allow the cookies to cool slightly before adding a swirl of jam on top. This step not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together beautifully.
Utilizing a toothpick to create a swirl effect with the jam adds a personal touch to each cookie. It’s a charming way to present these treats, making them even more inviting and perfect for any occasion.
Decadent Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Cookies
These Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of soft cookie texture and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a swirl of jam. They are sweet, nutty, and indulgent, making them a perfect dessert for cookie lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup jam (your choice of flavor, such as strawberry or grape)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Peanut Butter Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop a tablespoon of peanut butter dough and flatten it slightly. Place about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center and top with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges to encase the filling.
- Bake: Place the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add Jam Swirl: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then use a toothpick to swirl a small amount of jam on top of each cookie before they cool completely.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g