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Homemade Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars photo

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are a nostalgic treat! Soft, chewy, and topped with sweet grape jelly, they're perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Bars:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup grape jelly well-stirred

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
  2. Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Step 7: Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
  8. Step 8: Dollop the grape jelly over the cookie dough and gently spread it out to create an even layer.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.