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    Home » Dessert

    Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

    Jun 15, 2022 · 33 Comments

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    These vegan peanut butter thumbprint cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with classic peanut butter & jelly flavor, with no eggs or dairy! Just 6 ingredients, one bowl, and 15 minutes of baking time + low-sugar/ sugar-free and gluten-free options available!

    completed Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies scattered on cookie sheet and white surface

    Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies with Jelly Filling

    When it comes to classic flavor combinations, peanut butter and jelly is a favorite of mine. I've already shared a recipe for vegan PB&J Blondies, and now it's the turn of these vegan peanut butter thumbprint cookies with jam/jelly. They require just a handful of ingredients, are even simpler to make, and definitely hit the PB&J spot!

    What are thumbprint cookies? They are cookies made from dough rolled into a ball and then pressed with a thumb to create a little hole in the center to fill with your topping of choice. They have several names depending on where you're from, including 'jam drops' in Australia and 'Hallongotta' (meaning 'raspberry cave') in Sweden.

    With a peanut butter base, these 5-ingredient peanut butter cookies are wonderfully soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. Topped with the fruit preserve of your choice, these vegan thumbprint cookies perfectly combine sweet, salty, nutty, and fruity. You can even adapt the recipe to sugar-free or gluten-free or swap out the filling!

    Once baked, enjoy these easy vegan peanut butter cookies at potlucks, parties, and on the go. They also make a great addition to your holiday baking list and Christmas cookie gifts! You can even make them in advance as they're freezer-friendly, too!

    Looking for more simple but delicious vegan sweet treats? You might enjoy frosted blackberry orange cupcakes, raisin oatmeal cookies, or blueberry zucchini muffins!

    The Ingredients

    I make these 5 ingredients peanut butter cookies with, you guessed it, just five ingredients. Top them with the fruit preserves of your choice for a simple but delicious vegan cookie recipe!

    ingredients for Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies measured out against a white surface
    • Peanut butter: Use smooth or chunky peanut butter. A creamy one is best.
    • Vegan butter: Make sure it's room temperature.
    • Sugar: I used regular granulated sugar, but you could also use brown sugar or experiment with sugar alternatives like granulated erythritol.
    • Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor that doesn't taste artificial.
    • Flour: I used regular wheat all-purpose flour, but this vegan peanut butter cookies recipe should also work with a 50/50 blend of regular and whole wheat AP flour. Alternatively, experiment with GF all-purpose flour to make delicious vegan, gluten-free peanut butter cookies.
    • Fruit preserves: Use your favorite jam/jelly/preserve (with or without seeds). Raspberry jam, strawberry, and grape are my favorites. Use a low sugar option if preferred.

    What else could I fill/ top the vegan thumbprint cookies with?

    Along with fruit preserves, there are several flavor pairings you might enjoy with these vegan peanut butter cookies, including:

    To Fill

    • Vegan chocolate: Bake the cookies without the filling and then pour In melted dairy-free chocolate (dark, milk, or white) once the peanut butter and jelly cookies have cooled.
    • Ganache: For a softer chocolate filling, combine the melted chocolate with a small amount of canned coconut milk (full fat). This will help to keep it from setting 'solid.'
    • Vegan Nutella: Add your favorite vegan chocolate spread after baking and cooling the cookies.
    • Vegan caramel: These dairy-free peanut butter cookies also pair wonderfully with vegan caramel and vegan Dulce de leche style fillings.

    To Top

    • Coconut flakes: Sprinkle raw coconut flakes/ desiccated coconut over the prepared vegan thumbprint cookies before baking them for extra flavor and texture.
    • Dairy-free chocolate-dipped: Wait until the dairy-free peanut butter cookies have cooled, and then dip half the cookie in melted dairy-free dark chocolate. Allow to set and enjoy!
    • Icing: Prepare a simple icing with powdered sugar (or sweetener) and dairy-free milk to drizzle over the vegan peanut butter cookies.
    • Granulated sugar: To add crunch to the raspberry thumbprint cookies (or preserve of your choice), you could sprinkle them lightly with granulated sugar before baking.

    You can also experiment with adding around ½ teaspoon of baking powder to the vegan peanut butter cookie dough to provide a bit more lift to the vegan peanut butter cookies recipe.

    How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies?

    It takes just a handful of simple steps to pull together these easy vegan peanut butter cookies, with minimal effort or technical skill needed!

    • 1) First, preheat the oven to 350F/177C and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
    • 2) Add the peanut butter, vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl and beat it with an electric mixer (or use a stand mixer or whisk) on medium speed, until fluffy.
    ingredients for Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies measured out against a white surface
    process of mixing ingredients for Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies in bowl
    • 3) Then, add the flour, adding ½ a cup at a time, mixing until it's combined.
    process of adding flour to mixture in bowl
    process of beating flour into mixture
    process of beating flour into mixture
    • 4) Using a tablespoon measure, roll the vegan peanut butter cookie dough into a ball and then use your thumb to flatten and make a dent in each cookie and spoon in the preserves of your choice.
    process of scooping out a tablespoon of dough from batter
    process of placing tablespoon of dough onto baking sheet
    process of creating thumbprint indent into dough on a baking sheet
    process of showing tablespoon of dough held in hand with thumbprint imprinted dough balls in the background
    several thumbprint indented cookie dough pieces on a baking sheet
    process of adding filling to indent of cookie dough

    Alternatively, you can use the back of a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon to create even-sized indents in each of the vegan peanut butter cookies.

    • 5) Bake the vegan peanut butter thumbprint cookies for 15 minutes on a large cookie sheet with 1-2 inches of space between them. Then, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes on a wire rack. Enjoy!
    several pre-baked cookies lined up on a cookie sheet
    completed Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies scattered on cookie sheet

    FAQs

    Can I substitute the peanut butter?

    You could experiment with using other nut or seed butters in these vegan thumbprint cookies. i.e., almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc. I haven't tried all the options, so I can't guarantee results. You may need to adjust the amount of flour needed to create the correct dough consistency.

    Can I add the filling after baking the cookies?

    If you want to experiment with different fillings to find a favorite, then bake the vegan thumbprint cookies (with the indent) without the filling. Allow them to cool and then fill them with different options.

    Just note that fruit preserve won't be 'set' as it would if you'd baked it in the cookies.

    Can I make these gluten-free?

    You could experiment with using an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur). Alternatively, oat flour could also work.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Don't overwork the dough: The gluten in the wheat flour can become overworked if you over-mix the cookie dough. This can lead to flatter, tougher, chewier cookies. Instead, mix it until the flour has 'just' combined into the dough.
    • Adjust the indent size: The bigger the indent, the more filling you can add. However, be careful not to overfill them, or they'll become a mess in the oven.
    • Don't skip the cooling step: I've made the mistake of trying to enjoy one of these peanut butter & jelly thumbprint cookies too soon from the oven. The molten lava heat of the preserves quickly made me regret my decision.
    • To make stuffed cookies: If you want the vegan peanut butter cookies to ooze with filling when you bite into them, try this 'stuffed cookies' method. Roll out around ½ tablespoon of dough for the cookie base, add a teaspoon of filling, then top with another ½ tablespoon disk. Seal the edges and bake.
    completed Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies scattered on cookie sheet and white surface

    Storage Instructions

    Prep ahead: You could prepare the vegan peanut butter cookie dough 2-3 days in advance and store it covered tightly in the refrigerator. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before continuing with the recipe. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months.

    Store: Allow the vegan peanut butter & jelly thumbprint cookies to cool and then store them loosely covered at room temperature for 3-5 days or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 7-10 days.

    Freezer: Flash freeze the vegan thumbprint cookies until solid, then transfer to a Ziplock/Stasher or other freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying them.

    More Vegan Sweet Treats

    • Easy vegan lemon cake
    • Vegan blackberry orange cupcakes
    • Blueberry zucchini muffins
    • Raisin oatmeal cookies
    • 2-ingredient raspberry syrup
    • Vegan coffee nice cream
    • Simple strawberry juice
    completed Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies scattered on cookie sheet and white surface

    If you try this Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies scattered on cookie sheet and white surface

    Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

    These vegan peanut butter thumbprint cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with classic peanut butter & jelly flavor, with no eggs or dairy! Just 6 ingredients, one bowl, and 15 minutes of baking time!
    5 from 77 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 40 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20 cookies
    Calories 187 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • cookie sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup of chunky or smooth peanut butter
    • ½ cup of vegan butter at room temperature
    • â…” cup of granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
    • 2 cups of all purpose flour
    • Up to 6 tablespoons of water if needed
    • ½ cup of fruit preserves

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly grease it.
    • In a large bowl, beat (with an electric mixer) peanut butter, vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
    • Add flour by the ½ cup, beating until it's well mixed.
    • Drop by generous tablespoons onto a prepared pan. Using your thumb, make a small dent in the middle of the cookie and add the preserves.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    • Don't overwork the dough: The gluten in the wheat flour can become overworked if you over-mix the cookie dough. This can lead to flatter, tougher, chewier cookies. Instead, mix it until the flour has 'just' combined into the dough.
    • Adjust the indent size: The bigger the indent, the more filling you can add. However, be careful not to overfill them, or they'll become a mess in the oven.
    • Don't skip the cooling step: I've made the mistake of trying to enjoy one of these peanut butter & jelly thumbprint cookies too soon from the oven. The molten lava heat of the preserves quickly made me regret my decision.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 81mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 216IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword baking, christmas, cookies, dairy free, dessert, easy dessert, egg free, eggless, fruit, holiday, jam, jelly, pb&j, peanut butter, vegan, vegan baking, vegetarian
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

    More Dessert

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    • Dairy-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate
    • Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
    • Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      June 15, 2022 at 4:59 am

      5 stars
      These cookies are sooo sweet and delicious! Love em!

      Reply
    2. Rebecca says

      June 15, 2022 at 5:06 am

      5 stars
      I love thumbprint cookies the preserve on top goes so well with the peanut flavour

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:14 am

        yesss! such an epic combo!

        Reply
    3. Jean says

      June 15, 2022 at 6:39 am

      5 stars
      I like this thumb print cookie perfect bite also so quick to make. Great for stocking too and giving to friends.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:14 am

        nothing like a nice bite-size sweet to divulge in!

        Reply
    4. Freya says

      June 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      I love thumbprint cookies, this was such a delicious and simple recipe to follow!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:15 am

        so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 they're so simple and sweet!

        Reply
    5. Angela says

      June 15, 2022 at 7:48 am

      5 stars
      My favorite cookies 🙂 so easy to make, the family loved it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:15 am

        yay! so glad the fam enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Nora says

      June 15, 2022 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies turned out perfectly! Thanks to the lack of dairy, my daughter can eat them as well! Awesome and so yummy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:15 am

        yay! so glad she could enjoy them too! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Genevieve says

      June 15, 2022 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      Okay, these cookies look incredible! You can never go wrong with peanut butter and jelly!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:15 am

        Right?! Forever a winner combo!

        Reply
    8. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      June 16, 2022 at 12:02 am

      5 stars
      PB&J has got to be the best flavour combination!!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:16 am

        The ultimate combo!

        Reply
    9. Crystal says

      June 16, 2022 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      These are too cute and remind me of childhood. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:16 am

        Agreed! Such sweet nostalgia with these cookies!

        Reply
    10. Gina Abernathy says

      June 16, 2022 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      Thumbprint cookies are the best! I love these especially around the holidays.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:16 am

        Very! The perfect holiday treat!

        Reply
    11. Katie says

      June 16, 2022 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      These thumbprint cookies are absolutely perfect! Full of flavor and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:17 am

        So glad you enjoyed them! They're always a hit!

        Reply
    12. Tina says

      June 18, 2022 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies look sooo good! Can't wait to make them.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 19, 2022 at 4:18 am

        Let us know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    13. Gina H. says

      June 21, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      5 stars
      One of our all-time favorite cookie recipes! Especially during the holiday season. I sometimes use strawberry jam for half and then green mint jelly for the other half for a more Christmas-y themed cookie. So yummy!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 25, 2022 at 2:03 am

        Love that idea so much for christmas!

        Reply
    14. Teodora says

      June 21, 2022 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      I am making these once a week! My kids love them!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        June 25, 2022 at 2:04 am

        Love that! Definitely super kid-friendly for us too!

        Reply
    15. Janaye says

      July 01, 2022 at 3:52 am

      5 stars
      Love these cookies soo good!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 02, 2022 at 9:57 pm

        They're super delicious!

        Reply
    16. Michelle says

      July 06, 2022 at 11:35 pm

      5 stars
      Why am I browsing food blogs when I'm hungry? I HAD to go make these immediately and they turned out divine!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:42 pm

        Love this!! They're irresistible!

        Reply
    17. Jan says

      August 22, 2022 at 11:18 pm

      these are so lovely to bake and eat, what a treat! Thanks for the fabulous recipe

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        August 25, 2022 at 3:15 am

        So glad you enjoyed these cookies! 🙂

        Reply

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