Your PERFECT PB&J Pudding Cookies sound absolutely amazing – the combination of crunchy peanut butter, vanilla pudding, and Jammy Bits is inspired! It’s clear you’ve put a lot of heart into creating the ultimate peanut butter cookie, and the addition of those Jammy Bits brings in the perfect PB&J twist. I can already imagine how irresistible these must be!
I’ll break down your recipe and share more detailed insights on what makes these cookies stand out, along with some tips for making them even more delicious!
Detailed Breakdown of the PERFECT PB&J Pudding Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
The butter is a key ingredient for creating a rich, soft, and chewy texture in the cookies. Using Land O’Lakes salted butter adds a slightly savory touch that balances out the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor. - 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
The crunchy peanut butter adds texture and depth to the cookies. I love that you’re using Santa Cruz Organic non-stir peanut butter! This variety is known for its creamy, smooth consistency while still keeping some bits of peanuts for a satisfying crunch. - ¼ cup sugar
The white sugar helps balance the richness of the peanut butter and gives the cookies a nice, slightly crisp texture around the edges. - ¾ cup brown sugar
The brown sugar is essential for the cookies’ chewiness. Its molasses content enhances the caramel notes in the peanut butter and gives the cookies that soft, gooey interior. - 1 – 3.4 oz package Instant Vanilla Pudding
Vanilla pudding is a brilliant addition here! It not only adds flavor but also helps to create a soft, chewy texture that keeps these cookies tender. The instant pudding mix is a secret ingredient that elevates these cookies by making them more cake-like and moist. - 2 eggs + 1 additional egg yolk
The eggs are your standard binding agents, but adding an extra egg yolk ensures the cookies are rich and chewy. The egg yolk adds fat, which helps with the overall tenderness and moisture of the dough. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The vanilla extract ties everything together, adding that familiar comforting flavor that makes peanut butter cookies so irresistible. - 2 cups all-purpose flour
The flour is your main dry ingredient, providing structure to the dough. Make sure to measure carefully so the cookies aren’t too dense. - 1 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda helps the cookies spread and rise while giving them a light, airy texture. It’s crucial for creating a tender cookie. - ½ teaspoon baking powder
The baking powder adds a slight lift to the dough, ensuring the cookies are soft rather than flat. - ¼ teaspoon salt
Salt brings out the sweetness of the cookie and enhances the flavors of the peanut butter. It also helps balance the rich flavors from the butter and sugars. - Optional: 1 cup King Arthur Jammy Bits
This is where the magic happens! The Jammy Bits are made from real fruit and bring the perfect amount of sweetness, tartness, and jam-like consistency to the cookie, making it an authentic PB&J experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Perfect PB&J Cookies:
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which will help give your cookies a light texture. - Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in the dough. - Add Wet Ingredients
Add the instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything for about 1 minute on medium speed. This will ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough is smooth. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined – be careful not to over-mix, as this could make the cookies tough. - Add Jammy Bits
If you’re using King Arthur Jammy Bits (and I recommend you do for that amazing PB&J flavor), fold them into the dough. These jam-filled bits will add a touch of fruity sweetness and that signature PB&J flavor that really sets these cookies apart. - Shape the Dough
Shape the dough into balls – about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape. - Create Traditional Fork Marks
To give your cookies the classic peanut butter look, use a large fork to gently press down on the dough balls, making criss-cross marks. Be sure to pat the dough back into a round shape if it becomes misshapen when you press down. - Bake at 350°F for 11-13 Minutes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes. You’ll want them to be lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. These cookies will firm up slightly as they cool, so don’t over-bake them. - Rest on the Cookie Sheet
Once the cookies are done, let them rest on the cookie sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and makes it easier to remove them without breaking.
Why These PB&J Pudding Cookies Are So Special:
- Chewy and Soft Texture: The instant pudding in the dough gives these cookies a cake-like softness while maintaining the chewiness that makes peanut butter cookies so irresistible. The addition of crunchy peanut butter also adds texture that creates a satisfying contrast.
- Perfect PB&J Fusion: The Jammy Bits bring the PB&J flavor to life, offering the right balance of fruity tartness and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nutty richness of peanut butter. It’s a two-in-one cookie that captures the best of both worlds.
- Vanilla Pudding Elevation: The vanilla pudding isn’t just for flavor – it contributes to a moist and chewy texture that you won’t find in traditional peanut butter cookies. It keeps them soft and pillowy!
- Versatile and Fun: These cookies can be made with either crunchy or creamy peanut butter, depending on your preference. They’re customizable and full of delicious surprises!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cookies:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find your dough is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and reduces spreading.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so check them at the 11-minute mark.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough and making the cookies tough.
- Try Different Jammy Bits Flavors: While the original Jammy Bits are amazing, there are other flavors like raspberry or strawberry that could add a different twist to your PB&J cookies.
Final Thoughts:
Your PERFECT PB&J Pudding Cookies recipe is definitely a must-try for anyone who loves peanut butter and jelly! The texture, flavor, and sweetness balance make these cookies stand out. I can totally see why your coworkers might bribe you for a batch – they sound like a crowd-pleaser every time! Enjoy baking these gems, and thanks for sharing your incredible creation! 🎉🍪