If you have a soft spot for nostalgic flavors and crave a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome, you are going to fall head over heels for this Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe. These delightful sandwich cookies bring together creamy peanut butter and sweet, natural jelly between tender, flourless cookies that are incredibly easy to whip up. Every bite is like a warm hug from your childhood, but with a modern, health-conscious twist that makes you feel good about enjoying them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, honest ingredients to craft these cookie sandwiches, each chosen for its role in building texture, adding natural sweetness, or boosting nutrition. From creamy peanut butter to wholesome oats and vibrant fruit jam, this recipe celebrates everyday pantry staples that combine deliciously.
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter: The star binding agent providing creaminess and rich flavor without added sugars or oils.
- ½ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar: A natural sweetener that gently balances the peanut butter’s savory notes.
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan): Helps bind the dough for perfect cookie texture, adaptable to dietary needs.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Creates a tender, slightly chewy texture in the absence of flour.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup natural fruit jam or jelly (no sugar added preferred): Provides that classic, fruity sweetness to the sandwich.
- Optional: ¼ cup homemade chia jam: A nutritious and flavorful jelly alternative made with mashed berries and chia seeds.
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats: Gives a subtle texture and chew that make these cookies extra satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed: Boosts fiber and adds a gentle nuttiness.
- A few mini chocolate chips: A whimsical, sweet twist that can elevate each bite.
How to Make Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing your baking surface ahead of time will make the baking process smooth and mess-free.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, coconut sugar, egg (or flax egg), baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything until you get a smooth, cohesive dough. If you’re including rolled oats or ground flaxseed for a bit more texture and fiber, gently fold them in now — they add a lovely bite that’s subtle but noticeable.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet with about 2 inches between each. Flatten each ball just slightly using a fork or your palm, so they bake evenly and get that classic cookie shape.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be set but keep the centers soft and chewy. This texture makes a perfect foundation for the jelly layer. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — patience here ensures your cookies hold together wonderfully when you assemble them.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cookie Sandwiches
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spoon a teaspoon of your chosen jelly or homemade chia jam onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich. This classic peanut butter and jelly combo gets even better with this sandwich format that’s both portable and delightful.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store for Later
Serve your Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe straight away for that fresh, soft bite, or store them to savor the next day when the flavors have melded even more.
How to Serve Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle powdered coconut sugar lightly on top or add a few mini chocolate chips tucked neatly on the side. Fresh fruit slices like strawberries or banana rounds have a way of complementing the peanut butter and jelly flavor, and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt can create a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookie sandwiches pair wonderfully with a cold glass of almond milk, a soothing cup of herbal tea, or a creamy smoothie. If you’re serving them as part of brunch, consider adding fresh fruit salad or a bowl of crunchy granola to complete the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the cookie sandwiches in small parchment paper bags or colorful boxes for a cute gift idea or party favor. You can also stack them on a wooden board layered with banana leaves for a rustic presentation that’s eye-catching and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out, perfect for a quick snack any time.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, freeze the cookie sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They hold well for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm your cookie sandwiches slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive their soft texture and enhance the gooey peanut butter and jelly contrast. Just be careful not to overheat or the cookies might become crumbly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and make sure your jam is free from gelatin or animal products. Using a vegan chocolate chip option keeps everything plant-based.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour at all. Just ensure any oats you add are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I use other nut butters?
Definitely! Almond butter or cashew butter can be great alternatives, but they may change the flavor profile slightly. Just make sure the nut butter you choose is creamy and without additives for the best texture.
How sweet are these cookies?
They have a gentle sweetness from the coconut sugar and natural jelly, balanced by the richness of peanut butter and the slight saltiness if your peanut butter is unsalted. You can adjust the sugar level or use a sugar-free jam to suit your taste.
What if I don’t have rolled oats or flaxseed?
You can skip these optional additions if needed. They enhance texture and nutrition but the cookies will still turn out delicious and tender without them.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe deliver the best of both worlds — nostalgic flavors in a nutritious, easy-to-make form. Perfect for busy days or lazy afternoons, they’re a sweet reminder that wholesome treats can be both satisfying and simple. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
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Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches offer a soft, chewy texture without any flour, combining creamy peanut butter and natural fruit jam for a nostalgic treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome dessert, they use simple, natural ingredients and are easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no added sugar or oil)
- ½ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for texture)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
- A few mini chocolate chips (optional, for a sweet twist)
Filling
- ½ cup natural fruit jam or jelly (no sugar added preferred)
- Optional: ¼ cup homemade chia jam (made with mashed berries and chia seeds)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, coconut sugar, egg (or flax egg), baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until a smooth dough forms. If using oats or ground flaxseed, fold them in gently to maintain texture.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with a fork or your palm to create cookie shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a teaspoon of natural fruit jam or chia jam on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cookie sandwiches immediately or store them in an airtight container. They remain soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter and jelly flavor.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the healthiest results.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes).
- The optional oats and flaxseed add extra fiber and texture but can be omitted for a smoother cookie.
- Choose natural fruit jams or jellies with no added sugar to keep the recipe healthy.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Mini chocolate chips add a sweeter twist but can be skipped for a more classic flavor.
