If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with nutrition, you have to try this Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe. It’s a charming spin on the classic peanut butter and jelly combo, but with a wholesome twist—no flour, natural sweeteners, and plenty of fiber. These cookie sandwiches are chewy, satisfyingly rich, and perfect for anyone who wants to indulge without feeling guilty. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to snack or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet smart—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and wholesome goodness. From creamy peanut butter lending richness to the subtle sweetness of coconut sugar, these essentials blend for an irresistibly soft cookie sandwich.
- Natural creamy peanut butter: Use one cup of smooth peanut butter without added sugar or oil for creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- Coconut sugar or maple sugar: Half a cup adds just the right amount of natural sweetness without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Large egg (or flax egg for vegan): Binds all ingredients together while keeping the cookie moist and tender.
- Baking soda: Half a teaspoon for that gentle rise and slight fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon to enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Essential if your peanut butter is unsalted, it balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- Natural fruit jam or jelly: Half a cup of your favorite no-sugar-added jam for the signature fruity filling.
- Optional chia jam: Quarter cup of homemade chia jam offers a fresh, wholesome alternative to traditional jelly.
- Rolled oats: Two tablespoons add rustic texture and a bit of chew.
- Ground flaxseed: One tablespoon brings extra fiber and a slight nutty kick.
- Mini chocolate chips: A handful to add joyful pops of sweetness and richness.
How to Make Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the natural creamy peanut butter, coconut sugar, egg (or flax egg), baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until a smooth dough forms. If you’re using oats or ground flaxseed for added texture and nutrients, gently fold them in now, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Shape Your Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out small dough balls, placing them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your palm to encourage even baking and that classic cookie shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are set but centers that remain soft—this ensures a chewy texture once cooled. When done, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
After the cookies have fully cooled, add a teaspoon of your chosen jam or jelly onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. For a fun twist, try using the optional homemade chia jam or even a few mini chocolate chips between the layers for an extra surprise.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
These cookies are perfect to enjoy right away—the soft, chewy texture paired with luscious jelly and peanut butter makes for an irresistible combo. Otherwise, store them properly to keep their charm intact for later snacking.
How to Serve Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few crushed roasted peanuts on top for crunch or a light dusting of cinnamon powder to add warmth and a hint of spice. Fresh berries on the side can also enhance presentation and add a burst of freshness to the wholesome cookie sandwiches.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful cookie sandwiches with a glass of cold almond milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a refreshing complement. A small bowl of fresh fruit salad can also balance the richness of peanut butter and bring a natural sweetness to your snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookie sandwiches in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming picnic vibe. You can even cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters to serve as bite-sized party snacks. Another fun idea is to drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the sandwiches for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh. If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigeration to maintain their texture, but bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
These cookie sandwiches freeze beautifully. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to one month, making them great for meal prepping or unexpected cravings.
Reheating
To enjoy your sandwiches warm, gently microwave them for about 10 seconds or leave them out at room temperature to thaw. Avoid overheating as that can cause the jelly to melt and cookies to become crumbly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg, which is made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This keeps the cookies binding nicely without compromising flavor.
Is there a gluten-free aspect to this recipe?
Yes, this Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is completely gluten-free because it contains no flour at all. The oats add a lovely texture, but make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you have gluten sensitivities.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
For the best results, choose natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oils. This keeps the recipe healthy and lets the pure nutty flavor shine through, complementing the natural sweetness of the jam.
Can I substitute the jam with fresh fruit?
Yes! Fresh mashed berries or sliced bananas make a fantastic alternative for the jelly. For added thickness, try making your own chia jam by mixing mashed fruit with chia seeds—this adds fiber and a slight gel-like consistency perfect for sandwiching.
How do I keep the cookies from being too crumbly?
Make sure not to overbake the cookies; you want them soft in the center. Also, including binding ingredients like the egg or flax egg and a bit of baking soda helps maintain structure. Rolling the balls and flattening them gently creates even baking and softness.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves smart snacking with big flavor. The harmonious blend of peanut butter, naturally sweetened jelly, and chewy texture makes every bite satisfying and wholesome. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether for a quick afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert—and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookie sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Healthy Flourless Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Sandwiches are a wholesome twist on the classic PB&J. Made without flour, they rely on natural peanut butter, coconut sugar, and optional add-ins like oats and flaxseed for texture and nutrition. Baked to perfection, these cookies are soft, chewy, and sandwiched with natural fruit jam for a nostalgic yet healthier treat perfect for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry & Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats for texture
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra fiber
- A few mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist (optional)
Fillings
- 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, stir together the peanut butter, coconut sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt until a cohesive dough forms. If using oats or ground flaxseed, gently fold them into the mixture now to add texture and fiber.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Flatten each ball slightly using a fork or the palm of your hand for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once fully cooled, spread a teaspoon of your preferred natural or homemade jam onto the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your cookie sandwiches immediately for the best soft and chewy texture, or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes).
- Make sure to use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier recipe.
- Using coconut sugar or maple sugar keeps the sweetness natural and less processed.
- You can customize the jam filling by using your favorite sugar-free or homemade jams.
- Add oats and flaxseed to boost fiber and keep you fuller longer.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a delightful hint of sweetness and texture.
- Store the cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
