Peanut Butter Yo Yo’s: A Delightful Sandwich Cookie Recipe
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and jam, then this Peanut Butter Yo Yo’s recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday cookie rotation. These delectable sandwich cookies combine a rich, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookie with a surprise filling of your choice. While the recipe calls for jam, you can customize the filling to your liking with melted chocolate, vanilla cream, or even a mix of both! My personal favorite, however, is orange marmalade, which adds a zesty and flavorful twist that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ rich, nutty flavor. These cookies are also perfect on their own, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them unfilled if you’re in the mood for something simple.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (does not include chilling time)
Servings: About 32 sandwich cookies (or 64 individual cookies)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Butter or Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Peanut Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking Soda | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jam or Jelly of Choice | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 322.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 9.6 mg |
| Sodium | 89.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 9.5 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, butter (or margarine), peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well incorporated. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Gradually blend in the remaining dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dough is fully mixed and no dry spots remain. -
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture and flavor. This step helps the dough firm up and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking. -
Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking sheets with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Shape the Cookies:
Roll the chilled dough into 3/4-inch balls, placing each ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This allows enough room for the cookies to spread slightly as they bake. -
Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—the cookies should be soft in the center. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Assemble the Yo Yo’s:
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or jelly on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it together with another cookie. Press gently to ensure the filling sticks, creating the signature “yo yo” shape. -
Serving:
These cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage if needed.
Tips and Variations
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Flavor Variations: While orange marmalade is a classic pairing with the peanut butter cookie, feel free to experiment with different jams and jellies. Raspberry, strawberry, or grape jelly would also make delicious fillings, and for a chocolate lover’s twist, try melted chocolate or Nutella as a filling.
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Self-Rising Flour: If you’re using self-rising flour, simply omit the baking soda, baking powder, and salt from the recipe. Self-rising flour already contains these leavening agents.
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Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for up to a few months. If freezing, place parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
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Make It Vegan: Swap the butter, margarine, and egg for your preferred plant-based alternatives (like vegan butter and an egg replacer). This will make these cookies a fun option for vegan guests!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Yo Yo’s
These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the rich flavor of peanut butter complementing the fruitiness of your jam filling. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a special treat for your family, or just because you’re craving something sweet, Peanut Butter Yo Yo’s are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The versatility of this recipe allows you to switch up the fillings to suit any taste, making it a great base for experimenting with new flavors. And if you’re a peanut butter lover, these cookies are a must-try!
Keywords: Peanut Butter Yo Yo’s, Peanut Butter Cookies, Jam Sandwich Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Easy Dessert, Homemade Cookies, Cookie Recipe, Festive Cookies, Betty Crocker Recipes
