Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars combine nostalgic flavors into a convenient, delicious treat. With a soft peanut butter cookie base, a layer of fruity jam, and crunchy peanuts on top, they’re perfect for a satisfying snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup fruit jam or jelly (blueberry jam recommended)
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries or other berries (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey roasted peanuts or regular salted peanuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick tin foil and set aside.
2. Step 2: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the mixture and cream until well combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
6. Step 6: Add the salt, baking soda, and flour, mixing until all ingredients are fully combined into a dough.
7. Step 7: Press about two-thirds of the peanut butter cookie dough into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: Spread the jam or jelly evenly over the cookie dough layer.
9. Step 9: If using, sprinkle fresh berries evenly over the jam layer.
10. Step 10: Take the remaining cookie dough in small portions, flatten each in your hand, and place pieces over the jam layer. It’s fine if not all jam is covered; this helps the bars bake evenly.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the top with honey roasted or salted peanuts.
12. Step 12: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the center is set. If browning too fast, tent the bars with foil and continue baking.
13. Step 13: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different jam flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or grape for variations in sweetness and color.
• Substitute honey roasted peanuts with chopped almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, brown the butter before mixing it with peanut butter.
• To keep the bars softer, reduce baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness early.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy cold for a chewier texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, natural peanut butter works but may alter the texture slightly due to lower sugar and oil content. Stir well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 69 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a delightful baked treat. The soft, peanut butter cookie base is layered with sweet fruit jam and topped with crunchy peanuts, creating a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. Ideal for snack time, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, large
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

Filling and Topping

• 1 cup fruit jam/jelly (blueberry jam used)
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries or any berries, optional
• 1/3 cup honey roasted peanuts (or regular salted peanuts)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick tin foil and set it aside to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Cream Butters: Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring even texture for the cookie dough.
3. Add Sugars: Incorporate the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the creamed butters, continuing to mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Mix in Egg: Add the large egg to the mixture and mix thoroughly until fully combined, which helps bind the ingredients.
5. Add Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until all components are well incorporated into a consistent cookie dough.
7. Press Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the peanut butter cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating the base layer.
8. Spread Jam Layer: Evenly spread your chosen fruit jam or jelly over the cookie dough base, trying to keep the layer as uniform as possible for balanced flavor.
9. Add Fresh Berries (Optional): If using, sprinkle fresh blueberries or any preferred berries evenly over the jam layer to add freshness and burst of flavor.
10. Top with Remaining Dough: Take the remaining peanut butter cookie dough, flatten small portions in your hand, and place them over the jam layer. It’s fine if some jam shows through as this helps with even baking.
11. Sprinkle Peanuts: Scatter the honey roasted peanuts over the top layer of dough, adding a crunchy texture and complementary nutty flavor.
12. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tops of the cookie bars are golden brown and the center is set. If the bars start browning too quickly, tent a piece of non-stick foil over the top to prevent burning.
13. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting into bars to maintain their shape.
14. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute regular salted peanuts for honey roasted peanuts if desired.
• For an extra fruity touch, fresh berries are optional but recommended.
• Ensure the dough is flattened and spread evenly over the jam to promote uniform baking.
• If the bars are browning too fast while baking, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
• These bars can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated and reheated slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, Jelly Bars, Peanut Butter and Jelly Dessert, Baked Cookie Bars, Berry Jam Cookies