Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that merges the nostalgia of childhood lunches with the comfort of home baking, these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try. Thick, chewy peanut butter cookie dough forms the base, a bright ripple of fruity jam brings a burst of color and sweetness, and a dreamy swirl of creamy peanut butter finishes things off. This is the kind of dessert that delights everyone—from kids rifling through their lunchbox to adults seeking an indulgent snack. Whether it’s for a bake sale, a picnic, or just a weekend kitchen adventure, Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are sure to win hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars lies in their simple, everyday ingredients. Each one works its magic to contribute essential flavor, a specific texture, or even just that classic, familiar color that makes these bars irresistible.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives these cookie bars their rich and melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip the softening step for ultimate creaminess.
• Creamy peanut butter: Both in the base and in the swirl, peanut butter provides that signature nutty flavor and the irresistibly tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and softness to the cookie base, helping it stay chewy after baking.
• Granulated sugar: Contributes a subtle crispness around the edges and balances the richness of the peanut butter.
• Large egg: This binds everything together, ensuring the bars are sturdy but never dry.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough—provides structure while still letting the bars remain soft.
• Baking powder: Just the right amount of lift for a bar that’s tender and light, not dense.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the sweet and nutty flavors without making the bars taste salty.
• Strawberry or raspberry jam: The fruit-forward layer that adds color and that classic PB&J zing—choose your favorite or even try another favorite jam for variety.
• Powdered sugar: Helps make the peanut butter swirl smooth, silky, and just sweet enough.
• Milk: Loosens the peanut butter topping so you can drizzle or pipe it in gorgeous swirls over the bars.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step makes lifting out and slicing your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars a breeze, and helps keep those beautiful layers intact.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars, Butter, and Peanut Butter

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for the chewy, tender texture—look for a pale, smooth consistency before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. The mixture will take on a silky-smooth look, making sure your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars have the right structure and a warm, aromatic undertone.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, uniform dough comes together. Don’t overmix—just until everything’s incorporated is perfect.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Layer

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan so every bite has the ideal ratio of cookie to jam. Slide it into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and just set. The bars should still feel slightly soft—they’ll firm up as they cool, creating that classic bar-cookie magic.

Step 6: Layer on the Jam

Once the cookie layer is out and slightly cooled, spread the strawberry or raspberry jam evenly across the surface. The warm base will make this step easier and allow the flavor to soak slightly into the cookie, sealing together the signature Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars flavor profile.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl

In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle or pipe swirls over the jam. Not only does this add a creamy topping, but it makes the bars look stunning too.

Step 8: Let Set and Slice

Patience is your friend—wait for the bars to set before slicing. This helps all those luscious layers stay defined and gives you neat, bakery-worthy squares. Grab a knife and cut into nine generous pieces or smaller bites if you’re sharing with a crowd.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a sweet finishing touch, sprinkle a few chopped toasted peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the bars. If you want extra drama, add a few whole berries that match your jam right before serving. These little details make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars a showstopper on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort experience, or build a dessert platter with fresh fruit and a handful of salty pretzels. For a brunch spread, serve alongside coffee or tea for perfectly balanced bites—the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars always shine, but play well with others!

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids’ parties, or layer them in jars with extra jam and whipped cream for a playful dessert parfait. Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are also fantastic wrapped in parchment and tied with twine as a sweet gift or bake sale favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent the bars from sticking together, place a sheet of parchment between layers, and keep away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these bars! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place everything in a freezer-safe bag or container. Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars can be frozen for up to three months—perfect for prepping ahead or saving leftovers for a rainy-day treat.

Reheating

If you like your bars a little warm, simply microwave one for about 8–10 seconds. This brings back that just-baked coziness and makes the peanut butter topping all melty and inviting. From frozen, thaw the bars at room temperature first before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of jam in these bars?

Absolutely! While strawberry and raspberry are the classic picks, feel free to swap in blueberry, blackberry, apricot, or even a homemade fruit preserve. Just avoid anything too runny, so your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars hold their lovely layers.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

For neat, professional-looking squares, let the bars cool fully and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. If you find your jam layer sticking, pop the entire pan in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set nicely.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Make sure your blend is designed for baking and provides the right texture—taste and structure may vary slightly, but the spirit of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars remains!

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need a few more minutes, so check for a golden top and a set center before removing from the oven.

Do I have to use creamy peanut butter, or can I use crunchy?

Creamy peanut butter is recommended for the softest texture and best swirl on top, but if you love a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy in the base for extra peanut pieces. Just note the swirl layer is smoothest with the creamy style.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars—they unite beloved flavors in every bite and are impossible not to love. Don’t wait for a special occasion; bake a batch soon and share them with someone you love (or keep them all for yourself—we won’t tell!).

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