Love is in the air with these adorable heart-shaped PB&J sandwich cookies! Perfect for a sweet treat or a fun baking project with the kids. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the flour, salt, butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
5. Let the cookies cool completely before spreading jam on one cookie and sandwiching another on top.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving size: 1 cookie
– Calories: 180
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 15mg
– Sodium: 110mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 19g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 9g
– Protein: 4g
**Popular questions:**
1. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
– To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
– Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the cookies.
3. Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another flavor?
– Feel free to use any flavor of jam you prefer to customize your cookies.
4. How should I store these cookies?
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze these cookies?
– Yes, you can freeze the cookies before adding the jam for longer storage.
6. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
– Almond butter can be substituted for peanut butter in this recipe for a different flavor.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
– Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
8. How can I make these cookies vegan?
– Use dairy-free butter and make sure the jam is vegan-friendly to create vegan PB&J sandwich cookies.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
– Feel free to add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
10. Can I use cookie cutters in other shapes?
– Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like to make these cookies for different occasions.
**Helpful tips:**
1. Chill the dough before rolling and cutting for easier handling.
2. Dust the cookie cutter in flour to prevent sticking.
3. Add a dash of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
4. Experiment with different types of jam for variety.
5. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.
6. Use a piping bag for precise jam filling.
7. Sprinkle sanding sugar on top of the cookies for a sparkly finish.
8. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
9. Store the finished cookies in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
10. Serve the cookies with a glass of milk for a classic pairing.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
2. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
3. Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
4. Be sure to space the cookies evenly on the baking sheet for even baking.
5. Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the jam from melting.
6. Add a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
7. Let the flavors meld by storing the assembled cookies in an airtight container before serving.
8. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
9. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes for a charming assortment.
10. Customize the cookies with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness level.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful heart-shaped PB&J sandwich cookies! Share the love with friends and family for a memorable treat. 🍪💕 #PBJSandwichCookies #HeartShapedCookies #DeliciousTreats.
