Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that brings together the nostalgia of PB&J with wholesome, feel-good ingredients, look no further than these Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches. Imagine biting into two tender, naturally sweetened peanut butter cookies with a burst of fruity jam in the middle—each sandwich is pure comfort and joy, without the flour, refined sugars, or fuss. Whether you’re making these for after-school snacks, a healthier dessert, or just a midday pick-me-up, you’ll love how easy and satisfying they are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is the short, straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and wholesomeness of these Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches, so don’t skip or substitute unless noted below!
- Natural peanut butter: Go for creamy or crunchy—just make sure it’s the natural kind for the perfect nutty base and chewy texture.
- Pure maple syrup or honey: These natural sweeteners add just the right amount of sweetness and help bind the cookies.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue, holding your cookies together without any flour.
- Baking soda: A tiny bit helps the cookies puff up and get that classic cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Only if your peanut butter is unsalted; it brightens and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Fruit-sweetened jam or 100% fruit preserves: Pick your favorite flavor for a naturally sweet, tangy filling that brings the PB&J magic.
How to Make Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This step sets you up for cookie success and ensures even baking every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine your peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), egg, baking soda, vanilla, and a pinch of salt if needed. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and glossy. You’ll notice it comes together quickly, with a thick, scoopable consistency—that’s your sign you’re ready to roll!
Step 3: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between for spreading. Gently flatten each ball with a fork (for those classic peanut butter cookie lines) or the palm of your hand for a smoother look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set and just turning golden, while the tops will look ever-so-slightly underdone—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them sit on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off with cookies that hold together beautifully.
Step 5: Make the Cookie Sandwiches
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to create those irresistible Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches! Flip half the cookies over, spread a small amount of jam or fruit preserves on the flat side, then top with another cookie. Press gently to sandwich them together, and repeat until you’ve paired them all up.
How to Serve Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your cookie sandwiches with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or even a few crushed peanuts on top. These simple garnishes turn your Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches into a show-stopping treat for parties or gifting.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookie sandwiches with a tall glass of almond or oat milk for the classic cookies-and-milk experience. They’re also lovely alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a serving of Greek yogurt if you want to make snack time feel a little more substantial and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookie sandwiches in a rustic basket lined with parchment for picnics, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a playful, elegant look. You can even wrap each sandwich individually in parchment and tie with twine for adorable lunchbox or party favors that will make anyone’s day brighter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches store beautifully! Place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerated for a firmer, chewier bite. Just be sure the container is well-sealed to keep them fresh and prevent the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your treats on hand for longer, these cookie sandwiches freeze like a dream. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste as good as new.
Reheating
If you enjoy a slightly warm, gooey cookie, pop a sandwich in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. The center gets irresistibly soft and the peanut butter aroma is heavenly! If you’ve frozen your sandwiches, let them thaw first for best results before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter. The result is just as delicious, and it makes your Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches safe for nut-free diets.
What kind of jam works best?
Any fruit-sweetened or 100% fruit preserves will do the trick. Strawberry, raspberry, and apricot are favorites, but don’t be afraid to get creative—try blueberry or cherry for a fun twist!
Can I use a flax egg for a vegan version?
Yes, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can be used in place of the regular egg. The cookies may be slightly softer but still hold together well for sandwiching.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough is a bit runny, you can chill it for 15 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and gives you thicker, chewier sandwiches.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches are perfect for prepping ahead. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them for snacks or desserts all week long—just store as directed for ultimate freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you love the classic flavors of PB&J and want a treat that’s as nourishing as it is nostalgic, you simply have to try these Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and promise a little bite of joy in every sandwich. Gather your ingredients and let the baking (and snacking) begin!
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Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie sandwiches (24 cookies total) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches are a delicious gluten-free and dairy-free treat made with natural peanut butter, sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup or honey, and filled with fruit-sweetened jam. They are easy to make, flourless, and perfect for a wholesome dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
Filling
- 1/4 cup fruit-sweetened jam or 100% fruit preserves (any flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, pure maple syrup (or honey), egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls using your hands. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Flatten the Cookies: Slightly flatten each dough ball with a fork or your hand to create cookie shapes that will bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up properly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a small amount of fruit-sweetened jam on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this process until all cookies are paired into sandwiches.
Notes
- Store the cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for a firmer texture or keep them at room temperature for softer, chewier cookies.
- For a peanut-free alternative, substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Use 100% fruit preserves or low-sugar jam options to keep the sweetness natural and healthy.
- Ensure peanut butter is natural and unsweetened to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
