Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the classic flavors of childhood, these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are your answer. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie base infused with the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter, topped with a luscious layer of grape jelly. These bars are not just a nostalgic snack; they are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon cravings, or sharing with friends. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are easy to make and require simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of peanut butter and jelly creates a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors that will keep you coming back for more. They are versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors of jelly or add-ins, making them suitable for any occasion. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike!
The Essentials
To create these delicious Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (181g) all-purpose flour – The foundation of your cookie bars.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda – For that perfect lift.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup (159g) light brown sugar – For a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 cup (202g) creamy peanut butter – The star of the show!
- 1 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – For a rich, smooth texture.
- 1 cup (99g) granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- 1 egg – To bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a hint of warmth and flavor.
- 0.5 cup (80g) grape jelly, well-stirred – For that classic jelly layer.
Essential Tools for Success
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
- Spatula – For mixing and spreading the jelly.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – To hold your cookie bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars.
- Oven mitts – Safety first!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars — Do This Next
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to create your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help your cookie bars come out cleanly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Spread the Dough in the Pan
Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 8: Add the Jelly
Dollop the grape jelly over the cookie dough. Use the spatula to gently spread it out, creating an even layer.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
Feeling adventurous? Here are some seasonal flavor ideas to elevate your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars:
- Use strawberry jelly instead of grape for a classic twist.
- Add chocolate chips to the dough for a rich chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Try honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener option.
Flavor Logic
The beauty of these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars lies in their flavor balance. The creamy peanut butter provides a savory depth, while the grape jelly offers a sweet and fruity contrast. This combination not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also evokes warm memories of childhood lunches. The slight saltiness from the peanut butter enhances the sweetness of the jelly, creating a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to save time? Here are some tips for making these cookie bars ahead of time:
You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading it in the pan and adding the jelly.
These bars can also be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze any leftovers. Just wrap them well and they’ll be good for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and a delightful crunch to your cookie bars, enhancing the overall experience.
What if I don’t have grape jelly?
No worries! You can substitute any fruit jelly or jam of your choice, such as raspberry or strawberry. Just ensure it’s well-stirred for easy spreading.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
Save & Share
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are not just a recipe; they are an experience waiting to be shared. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, a family gathering, or just a quiet night at home, don’t forget to snap a picture of your delicious creation and share it with your friends and family. They’ll be begging you for the recipe!
In conclusion, these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing together the comforting flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a convenient bar form. They are easy to make, versatile, and sure to please everyone. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
- Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream these together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 7: Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Step 8: Dollop the grape jelly over the cookie dough and gently spread it out to create an even layer.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day in advance; refrigerate it wrapped tightly.
- Store baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze any leftovers wrapped well for up to three months.
