Remember those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from childhood sticky, sweet, and always slightly squished by lunchtime? Well, we just leveled that up in a big way. This Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle takes your favorite nostalgic flavor combo and wraps it in layers of creamy indulgence and soft, chewy cookie dough goodness.
It’s a total showstopper that feels fancy, but (spoiler alert) it’s super easy to throw together even on a Tuesday night when you’re juggling laundry, deadlines, and a toddler with glitter in her hair. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating your book club, or just craving something that hits that sweet-and-salty spot, this dessert is the stuff dreams are made of.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle
- Nostalgia Meets Indulgence: It’s like your childhood sandwich took a trip to a luxury dessert spa.
- No Baking Required: Because ovens are great, but shortcuts are better when life gets hectic.
- Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich Cookies, Reimagined: This is not your average cookie it’s your new favorite dessert format.
Let’s Layer This Up!
This trifle is a breeze to assemble. Here’s how it all stacks up:
Step 1: Get Your Cookie Dough Game On
Start with edible peanut butter cookie dough. You can use store-bought, but if you’ve got an extra 10 minutes, whip up a homemade batch. Make sure it’s egg-free and safe to eat raw (yes, that’s a thing now).
Scoop the dough into small chunks or roll into mini balls think the size of those peanut butter jelly sandwich cookies you sneak from your kid’s lunchbox.
Step 2: Whip It Good
Whip up a light and fluffy peanut butter cream. This will act as the rich, dreamy base of your trifle layers. A little cream cheese, a splash of vanilla, and powdered sugar go a long way.
Next up, gently swirl in your favorite jelly strawberry or grape, your call. This keeps it pretty and flavorful. Don’t overmix we want to see those beautiful marbled streaks.
Step 3: Start Layering
Grab a trifle bowl or individual mason jars if you’re going cute. Start with a layer of cookie dough chunks, followed by a generous dollop of the PB&J cream. Add a spoonful of crushed peanut butter jelly sandwich cookies for crunch and nostalgia.
Repeat. Keep going until you’ve built up enough layers to make someone swoon on sight.
Step 4: The Final Flourish
Top it off with a drizzle of melted peanut butter, a swirl of jelly, and crushed cookies or even chopped peanuts for texture. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
Estimated Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~380
- Total Fat: 21g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 38g
Preparation Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Quick Tips for Trifle Triumph
- Too Thick? If your peanut butter cream gets too dense, just thin it with a splash of milk or cream.
- Want More Texture? Add chopped roasted peanuts between the layers.
- No Trifle Dish? No problem. Use clear cups or wine glasses for individual servings that feel a little fancy.
Serving Suggestion
Scoop generous spoonfuls into dessert bowls or parfait glasses for an elegant finish. Serve chilled for best texture especially that cool, creamy contrast to the chewy cookie dough and crunchy cookie bits.
This is also brilliant for potlucks and showers. Just double the recipe, layer it in a big trifle bowl, and watch it disappear faster than your alone time on a Monday morning.
Storing & Make-Ahead Magic
You can prep the components ahead of time just keep the cream and cookie dough in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, layer it fresh for the best texture.
Leftovers? Pop them in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days. Just know the cookie layers will soften more over time (honestly, not a bad thing).
Avoid freezing this one it’s best served fresh and chilled.
My Personal PB&J Twist
So here’s a little secret this dish was born out of a snacktime experiment gone rogue. I was elbow-deep in cookie dough, my kids were begging for something “fun,” and I had half a jar of grape jelly to use up. What started as an “eh, why not” moment turned into the dessert everyone now asks for at gatherings.
Even my peanut butter-hating sister asked for seconds. True story.
variations of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tailor the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle to fit different tastes or dietary needs, there are plenty of fun ways to switch it up.
1. Nut-Free Version
Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or Wowbutter (a peanut-free alternative). Use nut-free cookie dough and jelly as usual. Great for lunchbox-safe treats or allergy-sensitive events.
2. Strawberry Shortcake-Inspired
Use a sugar cookie dough base instead of peanut butter, and layer with fresh strawberries and whipped cream instead of jelly. Think of it as a cookie-dough-take on a classic shortcake.
3. Frozen PB&J Trifle
Layer everything as usual, then pop the trifle in the freezer for 2–3 hours. It turns into a cold, creamy, semi-frozen dessert like PB&J ice cream cake meets parfait.
4. Chocolate Lover’s PB&J Trifle
Add a layer of mini chocolate chips or chocolate peanut butter cups between layers. You can even swirl in chocolate syrup for extra indulgence. Chocolate and PB&J? Yes, please.
5. Vegan & Dairy-Free
Use vegan peanut butter cookie dough, plant-based cream cheese or whipped topping, and jelly without gelatin. Bonus: use coconut whipped cream for a light, tropical vibe.
6. Mini Trifle Cups (Party-Perfect)
Assemble in shot glasses or mini jars for individual servings. Great for parties, showers, or when you don’t want to share (no judgment here).
7. Crunchy Cookie Layer
Instead of just soft cookie dough, alternate with crushed peanut butter jelly sandwich cookies for texture and a nod to the original sandwich inspiration.
8. Banana & PB Twist
Add banana slices between layers to channel that Elvis-style PB&J combo. It’s sweet, a little tropical, and totally comforting.
FAQs About Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s labeled edible or safe to eat raw. You can also crumble up peanut butter jelly sandwich cookies if you’re in a pinch.
What kind of jelly works best?
Strawberry and grape are classics, but raspberry adds a fun tangy twist. You can even use a mix for a layered fruit flavor.
Is this safe for kids to eat?
Yes! Just double-check that your cookie dough is egg-free and made with heat-treated flour if you’re making it from scratch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Totally doable. Use plant-based cream cheese and whipped topping. Peanut butter is already dairy-free, so you’re halfway there.
How far in advance can I make this trifle?
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge and wait until the last minute to add toppings like nuts or cookies.
How do I make this more indulgent?
Add mini peanut butter cups between layers or swirl in marshmallow fluff. No judgment here.
Can I turn this into a frozen dessert?
Yep. Freeze it for a couple hours and it transforms into a dreamy semi-frozen treat, almost like a peanut butter & jelly icebox cake.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
For sure. It adds texture and a little sass to the layers. Just make sure your cream base is smooth enough to balance it out.
Final Thoughts on the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle
If you’re craving comfort, nostalgia, and a dessert that wows without the stress, this Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle is it. It hits all the right notes salty, sweet, creamy, chewy and transforms something as simple as peanut butter jelly sandwich cookies into a full-blown flavor celebration.
So the next time you’re in need of a quick, no-fuss dessert that makes everyone at the table feel like a kid again, remember: this trifle’s not just dessert it’s a sweet little trip down memory lane.
Ingredients & quantities can be found in the recipe card just below this article.