Spicy-Sweet Sensation: Ultimate Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies with Pepper Jelly
Prepare to ignite your taste buds with these extraordinary Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they are a thrilling culinary adventure, combining the comforting familiarity of a classic with an exhilarating kick of sweet heat. What makes them truly stand out is the luscious filling of creamy peanut butter perfectly paired with a vibrant, spicy pepper jelly. While you are welcome to use any brand of pepper jelly you have on hand, we highly recommend a specific kind that elevates these treats to gourmet status: Jenkins Hell Fire Pepper Jelly.
I personally discovered Jenkins Hell Fire Pepper Jelly during a delightful trip to Santa Monica, and it has since become a cherished staple in my pantry. Its unique blend of sweetness and a lingering warmth from hot peppers is precisely what makes these sandwich cookies so addictive. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: a crisp, light cookie shell gives way to a smooth, rich peanut butter interior, all crowned with that unmistakable spicy-sweet burst of pepper jelly. The result is a truly unforgettable dessert that is both familiar and exciting, leaving a pleasant, fiery afterglow that will have you reaching for just one more.
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The Magic of Pepper Jelly: Beyond Cookies
At the heart of these sensational cookies lies the star ingredient: pepper jelly. While many brands exist, Jenkins Hell Fire Pepper Jelly boasts a particularly compelling origin and flavor profile. It was founded by Hillary Danner (Gwyneth’s cousin) and her friend Maria Newman, driven by a passion for distinctive flavors. Their pepper jelly is crafted with a meticulous blend of seven fresh peppers, organic sugar, vinegar, and pectin. This combination creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it incredibly versatile and much more than just a cookie filling.
Thinking about how to incorporate this delicious condiment into your everyday meals? The possibilities are endless! Pepper jelly is a fantastic companion for a variety of cheeses, transforming a simple cheese board into an elevated tasting experience. Spread it over cream cheese and serve with crackers for an effortless appetizer that consistently impresses. It also serves as an exceptional marinade or glaze for meats, especially poultry and pork. Imagine a succulent chicken breast glazed with a sticky, sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly, or ribs slow-cooked to perfection and brushed with this fiery elixir. The sugars caramelize beautifully, while the peppers add a delightful depth of flavor and a gentle heat.
Beyond main courses, pepper jelly can revolutionize your sandwich game. Forget plain jams; a spoonful of spicy pepper jelly on a turkey or ham sandwich adds an unexpected layer of flavor that is both intriguing and delicious. For those who enjoy baking savory breads, it integrates wonderfully into recipes. Our family’s beloved Texas Jalapeno Cranberry Bread is a testament to its versatility, where the pepper jelly adds moisture, sweetness, and that signature spicy punch. You can even whisk it into salad dressings, stir it into stir-fries for an Asian-inspired kick, or use it as a base for vibrant dipping sauces. Its sweet, tangy, and spicy notes make it a secret weapon in any kitchen.
Crafting the Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: these incredible Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. The cookie dough itself is a dream to work with, pliable and easy to handle, ensuring a smooth baking experience even for novice bakers. It bakes up into perfectly crisp, yet light, peanut butter cookies that form the ideal base for our spicy-sweet filling. The magic truly happens when these traditional peanut butter cookies are transformed into sandwich delights with the inclusion of the pepper jelly.
The pepper jelly, particularly Jenkins Hell Fire, introduces a truly unique and memorable element to a classic treat. The initial sweetness of the jelly is quickly followed by a gentle, warming heat that lingers pleasantly on the palate, contrasting beautifully with the rich, creamy peanut butter. This creates a complex flavor profile that elevates the humble peanut butter cookie to something extraordinary. Each bite is a journey from crunchy exterior to soft, decadent filling, culminating in that irresistible spicy-sweet finish.
While Jenkins Hell Fire Pepper Jelly is our top recommendation for an unparalleled flavor experience, feel free to experiment with your favorite spicy hot jelly. You can easily purchase Jenkins online if you wish to replicate the exact flavor profile that inspired this recipe. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If you’re feeling adventurous or simply don’t have pepper jelly on hand, these versatile cookies can be filled with almost anything. Imagine them with a decadent swirl of Nutella and peanut butter for a hazelnut twist, a fluffy dollop of marshmallow cream for a nostalgic treat, or a rich, silky chocolate ganache for ultimate indulgence. The crisp peanut butter cookies provide a fantastic canvas for various fillings, making them a customizable delight for any occasion.
The interplay of textures and flavors in these cookies is what makes them so special. The light, crumbly texture of the cookie, the smooth creaminess of the peanut butter, and the slightly chewy, spicy sweetness of the pepper jelly create a symphony in your mouth. They are perfect for sharing at gatherings, adding a surprising element to a dessert platter, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting, yet exciting, snack. The lingering kick of the sweet hot peppers ensures each cookie is a memorable experience.
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Recipe
Hell Fire Pepper Jelly Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Giveaway
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup regular or butter flavored shortening I used butter flavored
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup peanut butter crunchy or creamy okay
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup 4.5 oz all-purpose flour
- Some Hell Fire Pepper Jelly
- Extra peanut butter for filling sandwiches
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure to have a large, ungreased baking sheet ready, as these cookies spread minimally.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the shortening (butter-flavored shortening adds an extra richness), salt, baking soda, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making the cookies tender. Next, gradually beat in both the granulated sugar and the firmly packed brown sugar, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined. Finally, incorporate the beaten large egg, mixing just until it’s fully integrated into the dough.
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Switch to mixing by hand with a sturdy spoon or use the lowest speed of your electric mixer to gently stir in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, use a rounded ½ teaspoon measure to scoop out portions of dough. Shape these into small, uniform balls. Arrange these small dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 to 1 ½ inches apart to allow for slight spreading. To create the classic peanut butter cookie look, dip the tines of a fork in water (to prevent sticking) and gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly, creating a charming criss-cross pattern. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers appear set. Remove them promptly from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Patience is key for this step! Ensure the cookies are entirely cool before assembling. Once cooled, take one cookie and spread a thin layer of extra peanut butter on the flat side. On another cookie, spread a small dollop of Hell Fire Pepper Jelly. Gently sandwich the two cookies together, pressing lightly to ensure the filling adheres. Repeat this process until you’ve created approximately 45 to 50 delightful little Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later (see tips below).
Tips for Perfect Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
To ensure your Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Ingredient Quality: Use good quality peanut butter (creamy or crunchy works, depending on your preference for texture) and fresh eggs. The butter-flavored shortening adds a delightful richness that standard shortening might lack, enhancing the overall cookie flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Flour: When adding the flour, mix just until it’s incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to tough cookies instead of the desirable crisp texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your dough seems too soft or sticky, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll into balls and prevents excess spreading during baking.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a measuring spoon (like a ½ teaspoon) or a small cookie scoop to ensure all your cookie dough balls are roughly the same size. This promotes even baking, so all cookies are done at the same time.
- Cool Completely: It’s crucial for the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before you attempt to fill them. Warm cookies are fragile and will break easily, and the fillings might melt or spread too much.
- Adjusting the Spice: If Jenkins Hell Fire Pepper Jelly is too spicy for your preference, you can choose a milder pepper jelly or even a sweet chili jam. Conversely, if you crave more heat, seek out an extra-hot pepper jelly.
- Storage: Store the assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling and serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are fantastic on their own, but a few serving suggestions can enhance the experience:
- Classic Pairing: Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk or a robust cup of coffee. The coolness of the milk or the bitterness of coffee wonderfully complements the sweet and spicy notes of the cookies.
- Dessert Platter Star: Arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other treats for a party. Their unique flavor will surely be a conversation starter.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: For an ultimate indulgence, try sandwiching a small scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies (without the peanut butter and jelly filling, or use it as an additional layer!) for a spicy-sweet ice cream sandwich.
- Customized Fillings: As mentioned, these cookies are incredibly versatile. Don’t limit yourself to peanut butter and pepper jelly. Consider a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast, a lemon curd for a bright zing, or even a different type of fruit preserve for a less spicy, yet equally delicious, sandwich cookie.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the finished sandwich cookies can add another layer of decadence and visual appeal.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is a culinary delight that has been celebrated across many cultures. In these Hell Fire Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, the familiar comfort of peanut butter meets the exciting thrill of a chili kick, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and adventurous. They are an ode to creative baking and a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply looking to try something new and exciting, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delicious heat!