PB&J Cookies

Who doesn't love the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly? Now, imagine that nostalgic flavor packed into a delicious cookie. These PB&J cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a snack at home or a party dessert. 

Ingredients:

- 2 cups fresh ground flour (or 1 3/4 cups regular wheat flour)

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1 stick butter (room temperature)

- 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter

- 1/2 cup sucanat (or brown sugar)

- 1/2 cup honey crystals (or granulated sugar)

- 1 large egg

- 1 tbsp half and half (or milk)

- 1 tsp vanilla

- Jelly of choice (red raspberry is my favorite)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the fresh ground flour (or regular wheat flour), baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sucanat (or brown sugar), and honey crystals (or granulated sugar) until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.

4. Add the egg, half and half (or milk), and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

7. Create an indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

8. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jelly. Feel free to use your favorite flavor, but red raspberry adds a delightful tanginess.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These PB&J cookies are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich we all know and love. The soft and chewy peanut butter cookie base pairs perfectly with the sweet and fruity jelly filling. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or shared with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces. Enjoy!