Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies: A Deliciously Simple Recipe You’ll Love
Are you looking for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of peanut butter and jam in a delightful, handheld cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a bake sale, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these jammies are sure to be a hit. This isn’t just another peanut butter and jelly cookie; it’s a recipe with a touch of love and simplicity that makes it stand out.
## What are Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies?
Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies are essentially thumbprint cookies with a peanut butter base and a jam filling. The peanut butter dough is soft, slightly crumbly, and intensely flavorful, perfectly complementing the sweetness and tanginess of the jam. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. They require minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making them a perfect choice for a quick and delicious dessert. These cookies get their name from their soft, comforting nature, reminiscent of cozy pajamas, hence the name “Jammies.”
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of peanut butter and jam is a classic for a reason!
* **Versatile:** You can customize the jam flavor to your liking.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From bake sales to afternoon snacks, these cookies are always a welcome treat.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love to help make and eat these cookies!
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Make sure the butter is truly softened, not melted. This will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
* **1 cup creamy peanut butter:** Use your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter. Avoid using natural peanut butter, as it can be too oily and affect the texture of the cookies. If you only have natural peanut butter, stir it very well and consider adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough if it seems too wet.
* **1 cup granulated sugar:** This adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crispy edge on the cookies.
* **1 cup packed brown sugar:** Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture to the cookies. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough. Use large eggs for consistent results.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and jam.
* **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour:** Measure the flour accurately. Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in dry cookies.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Baking soda helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Your favorite jam:** Choose your favorite flavor of jam for the filling. Strawberry, raspberry, grape, and apricot are all excellent choices. Seedless jam is recommended for a smoother texture.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls: one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients.
* **Electric mixer:** An electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) will make the mixing process much easier. However, you can also mix the dough by hand if you don’t have an electric mixer.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** Accurate measuring is essential for baking success.
* **Baking sheets:** You’ll need at least two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
* **Parchment paper:** Parchment paper is highly recommended for lining the baking sheets. It prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Cookie scoop (optional):** A cookie scoop will help you create uniform cookies.
* **Thumb or spoon:** You’ll use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create the indentation in the center of each cookie for the jam filling.
* **Wire rack:** A wire rack is essential for cooling the cookies completely.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies.
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for consistent results. An oven thermometer can be helpful.
* Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
**Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars**
* In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally will ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be pale and airy.
**Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Vanilla Extract**
* Add the peanut butter to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. The mixture will be thick and smooth.
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, leaving no streaks of flour visible.
**Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough**
* Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for spreading during baking.
**Step 7: Make the Indentations**
* Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press all the way through the dough. You want a well to hold the jam filling.
**Step 8: Fill with Jam**
* Spoon a small amount of your favorite jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill the cookies, as the jam may bubble over during baking. A teaspoon of jam is usually sufficient.
**Step 9: Bake the Cookies**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from burning.
**Step 10: Cool the Cookies**
* Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cookies from breaking.
**Step 11: Enjoy!**
* Once the cookies are completely cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
## Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Jammies
* **Use softened butter:** Softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy dough. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, but not melted.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
* **Use parchment paper:** Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup easier.
* **Don’t overfill the cookies with jam:** Overfilling the cookies can cause the jam to bubble over during baking.
* **Let the cookies cool completely before storing:** Storing warm cookies can cause them to become soggy.
* **For even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking.** This will ensure that all the cookies are evenly cooked.
* **If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping.** This will make it easier to roll the dough into balls.
## Variations and Additions
* **Different Jams:** Experiment with different flavors of jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even marmalade.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, to the dough.
* **Sprinkles:** Decorate the cookies with sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
* **Peanut Butter Chips:** Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips to the dough for an extra peanut butter boost.
* **Sea Salt:** Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweetness and peanut butter flavor.
* **Nutella Filling:** Replace the jam with Nutella for a decadent chocolate-hazelnut filling.
* **Cookie Butter Filling:** Replace the jam with cookie butter for an extra-delicious and unique filling.
* **Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a vegan-friendly jam.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
* **Freezing Dough:** You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
## Serving Suggestions
Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With a Glass of Milk:** A classic combination! The cookies are perfect for dunking in a glass of cold milk.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a Dessert Topping:** Crumble the cookies over ice cream or yogurt for a delicious topping.
* **In a Cookie Sandwich:** Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream or frosting.
* **As Part of a Dessert Platter:** Include these cookies as part of a dessert platter for parties and gatherings.
* **Gift Giving:** Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box as a thoughtful homemade gift.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cookies are too dry:** Make sure you are using softened butter and measuring the flour accurately. Adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the dough can also help.
* **Cookies are too flat:** The butter may have been too warm, or the dough may have been overmixed. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
* **Cookies are too hard:** The cookies may have been overbaked. Reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
* **Jam is bubbling over:** Don’t overfill the cookies with jam. A teaspoon of jam is usually sufficient.
* **Cookies are sticking to the baking sheet:** Make sure to use parchment paper to line the baking sheets.
## Nutrition Information (approximate, per cookie)
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Rayna’s Peanut Butter Jammies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to please. With their simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and irresistible flavor combination, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious jammies! You’ll be glad you did. They’re not just cookies; they’re a little bit of happiness in every bite. Enjoy!