Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls take the nostalgic flavors of a childhood favorite and transform them into soft, fluffy sweet rolls. Tender yeast dough is swirled with creamy peanut butter and fruity jelly, baked until golden, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. The result is a warm, bakery-style treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Childhood Nostalgia Elevated – Classic PB&J flavors in soft, homemade rolls.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture – Enriched yeast dough creates tender crumb.
• Perfect for Sharing – Makes 12 rolls, ideal for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can rise overnight in the refrigerator.
• Customizable Fillings – Swap jelly flavors or try crunchy peanut butter.
• Great for Kids and Adults – Familiar flavors with bakery-style presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and elasticity.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Light sweetness and supports yeast activity.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavor.
• 1 package active dry yeast – Leavening agent for rise and softness.
• 1 cup milk – Hydrates flour and enriches dough.
• ¼ cup butter – Adds tenderness and flavor.
• 1 egg – Contributes structure and softness.

For the Filling

• 1 cup peanut butter – Creamy richness and nutty flavor.
• 1 cup jelly – Fruity sweetness; grape or strawberry work well.

For the Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar – Creates smooth icing.
• 3–4 tablespoons milk – Adjusts glaze consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.

Warm and Proof the Yeast
Heat milk and butter until warm (about 110°F). Allow to cool slightly, then stir in yeast and let proof 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Form the Dough
Add yeast mixture and egg to the flour mixture. Stir to combine, gradually adding remaining flour until dough begins pulling away from bowl.

Knead Until Smooth
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a 12″x15″ rectangle. Spread peanut butter evenly, then dollop jelly over top and gently swirl.

Shape the Rolls
Roll tightly from the long side. Trim edges and slice into 12 equal rolls.

Second Rise
Place rolls cut-side up in a greased 9″x13″ pan. Cover and let rise again until doubled (about 45–60 minutes).

Bake Until Golden
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Glaze and Serve
Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Spread over slightly cooled rolls and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Monitor Dough Temperature – Yeast activates best at 105–110°F.
• Don’t Over-Flour – Excess flour makes rolls dense.
• Spread Evenly – Leave slight border to prevent filling leakage.
• Use Dental Floss to Slice – Ensures clean cuts without squishing dough.
• Allow Proper Rise – Underproofed rolls won’t be fluffy.
• Cool Slightly Before Glazing – Prevents glaze from melting too thin.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 467 calories per roll (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

• Fresh fruit salad
• Hot coffee or latte
• Cold glass of milk
• Vanilla yogurt

Ideal Occasions

• Weekend brunch
• Holiday mornings
• After-school treats
• Potluck gatherings

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days; warm slightly before serving.
• Freeze unglazed rolls up to 2 months.
• Reheat briefly in microwave for soft texture.

Creative Variations to Try

• Crunchy Texture – Use crunchy peanut butter.
• Chocolate PB&J – Add mini chocolate chips to filling.
• Different Jams – Try raspberry, blueberry, or apricot.
• Cream Cheese Swirl – Add thin layer of sweetened cream cheese.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dough not rising – Yeast may be expired or liquid too hot.
• Filling leaks out – Leave border around edges when spreading.
• Dense rolls – Avoid adding too much flour during kneading.
• Overbrowned tops – Tent loosely with foil during baking.

Why This Recipe Works

This enriched yeast dough benefits from milk, butter, and egg, which create a soft, tender crumb. Proper kneading develops gluten for structure while maintaining elasticity. The double-rise method ensures light texture and even baking. Peanut butter provides fat that melts slightly into the dough, while jelly caramelizes gently during baking, creating sweet, gooey swirls. At approximately 467 calories per roll, these treats are indulgent yet satisfying, making them perfect for occasional enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls turn a beloved childhood sandwich into a warm, bakery-worthy treat. Soft, sweet, and filled with nostalgic flavor, they’re perfect for brunches or special mornings. For a lighter option, reduce glaze or use lower-sugar jelly while keeping that irresistible PB&J charm intact.