Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Dough Trifle

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Layer:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the sugars (brown sugar and granulated sugar) and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually mix in the flour and salt. Be sure to mix until everything is fully combined, creating a thick, dough-like consistency.
• Taste the dough to make sure it’s sweet and peanut-buttery. (You can even eat it as-is—it’s edible cookie dough!)
• Optional: If you’d prefer to be extra cautious about consuming raw flour, you can heat-treat the flour beforehand by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to kill any potential bacteria. Let it cool before using it in the dough.
2. Prepare the Jelly Layer:
• Choose your favorite jam: For this recipe, strawberry or raspberry works best, but feel free to experiment with other flavors. Simply measure out 1 cup of jam and set it aside. This will be your jelly layer.
3. Whip the Cream:
• In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. You can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk by hand.
• Once the whipped cream is ready, set it aside for assembling the trifle.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
• In a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving cups, begin with a layer of peanut butter cookie dough at the bottom. Spread it evenly to form the first layer.
• Next, add a layer of jelly on top of the cookie dough. You can either spread the jam evenly or create a thicker, more decadent layer depending on your preference.
• Top with a layer of whipped cream, spreading it out to cover the jelly layer completely.
• Repeat the layers as needed, layering cookie dough, jelly, and whipped cream until you’ve used all the ingredients. Be sure to finish with a generous layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
• For a fun and extra indulgent touch, garnish the trifle with mini peanut butter cups or crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch and decoration.
• Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together and for the layers to firm up slightly. This also helps the cookie dough to soften a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Tips for Success:
• Chill the Trifle: Letting the trifle sit in the fridge not only helps the layers set but also allows the flavors to combine for a richer taste. You can make this dessert a day ahead for convenience.
• Customize the Jelly: While strawberry and raspberry are classic choices, you can swap in other jam flavors like grape, blueberry, or even orange marmalade for a fun twist.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Adding mini peanut butter cups on top not only enhances the peanut butter flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy layers.