Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, are so similar to the classic PB&J sandwich but a whole lot sweeter!! Three layers of the softest peanut butter cookie, grape jelly and another layer of peanut butter cookie crumbled on top is the perfect way to celebrate back to school.

Back to school is all about getting back to a routine, packing lunches, after school activities and all the snacks. I am really here for the snacks but totally thankful for the routine. It is always fun to start the new year with a back to school treat that our kids will love and be so excited to come home to after their first day.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are a take on a classic peanut butter jelly sandwich, but even sweeter. Three layers of goodness, peanut butter cookie batter and grape jelly, baked into a square cake pan, cut into individual squares and making sure that every bite is enjoyed! Chocolate chip cookies are always a fun addition to your back to school treat line up or adding some color and fun with our Mini M&M Cookies or Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars.

Ingredients

Butter- Unsalted butter is preferred in this recipe since there is additional salt added and be sure that it is at room temperature.
Light Brown Sugar- Light brown sugar creates a really soft cookie full of flavor because of the molasses in the brown sugar.
Peanut Butter-Only use creamy peanut butter for these bars. It is also important to use jiffy or skippy brands and do not use peanut butter that has to be stirred or a dryer texture.
All Purpose Flour- Traditional all purpose flour is the best option for the PB&J Bars but can be converted to be gluten free using All Purpose Gluten Free Flour.
Grape Jelly- Really any jelly will be great but i do love a classic grape jelly sandwich which is why I chose grape jelly for the bar. Strawberry is also a great alternative to grape jelly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside 
• In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar and vanilla extract; cream together until smooth and then add in the peanut butter and continue mixing until smooth
• Add the egg into the butter mixture and mix until fully combined
• Slowly add in the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix just until all ingredients are combined 
• Press ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepare square pan, spread the grape jelly over the peanut butter dough and then add the remainder of the dough crumbled to cover the layer of grape jelly
• Bake the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars for 25-28 minutes or until the top starts to turn a light golden brown in color 
• Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before removing them from the pan
• Cut the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars into 9 three inch squares or the desired shape and size Enjoy or store in an airtight container until you are ready to serve! 

Expert Tips and FAQ'S

• Room Temperature Ingredients- It is important to have the ingredients at room temperature before using because it will allow every to mix and bake evenly
• Refrigerate Before Cutting- Once the bars are baked, refrigerate the bars before removing the bars from the pan to ensure that the bars don't fall apart and will give you a very clean cut.
• Storing The Bars- Store the PB&J Bars in an airtight container for up to four days. If you are not going to eat them all freeze the bars for up to two months in an airtight container.

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