Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

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peanut butter & jelly cookie bars

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Ever find yourself torn between grabbing a cookie or making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich? Well, guess what? You don’t have to choose anymore! Today, we’re mashing them up into one awesome treat: peanut butter & jelly cookie bars!

This recipe is all about taking something simple and nostalgic—like the timeless PB&J sandwich—and turning it into something unexpected.

pbj swirl cookies

Here’s What You Need

We start with a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie crust and kick things up a notch with a creamy peanut butter buttercream frosting. But wait, there’s more! We finish it all off with a jelly glaze swirl, adding just the right touch of fruitiness.

For Cookie Crust:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup shortening
  • ½ cup chunky peanut butter
  • ¼ cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Peanut Butter Buttercream:

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature

For Jelly Glaze:

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup favorite grape or strawberry jelly
  • 3 tablespoons water

The peanut butter is the star here, working its magic in both the crust and frosting. The butter adds richness, while the sugar sweetens the deal. Flour gives structure to the crust, and the jelly brings that fruity zing. Easy peasy!

The Swap-Outs

I went for grape jelly because, well, it’s my jam! (See what I did there?) But seriously, you can totally use your favorite jelly or jam. Strawberry, raspberry, blackberry—all great choices! The sky’s the limit here, so feel free to get creative.

Baking Time!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trust me, you want it nice and hot to get that perfect crust. Spread the cookie mix in a greased baking dish and bake for about 12-15 minutes. While it’s in the oven, whip up your peanut butter frosting and get your jelly ready. After the crust has cooled, spread the frosting and drizzle that jelly glaze. Swirl it in for that extra flair!

Let it set for a bit, and then you know what to do. Slice, serve, and Enjoy! These bars are great for get-togethers, or, you know, a Wednesday afternoon when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

Enjoy!

And that’s the dish, Hungry People! With a bit of creativity and some pantry staples, you can transform the humble PB&J into a drool-worthy dessert. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, these peanut butter & jelly cookie bars are an easy win that brings together the best of both worlds. Keep those tips and tricks in your back pocket, and you’ll be the life of any party—or just your own personal hero during a snack attack. Enjoy!

peanut-butter-jelly-cookies

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

The Starving Chef
Turn your favorite sandwich into a treat with these peanut butter & jelly cookie bars featuring a crumbly crust, creamy frosting, and fruity glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Quick & Easy
Servings 12 bars

Ingredients
  

FOR COOKIE CRUST:

FOR PEANUT BUTTER BUTTERCREAM:

FOR JELLY GLAZE:

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup favorite grape or strawberry jelly
  • 3 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream together the sugars, shortening, chunky peanut butter, egg, and 1/4 cup butter until smooth.
  • Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time and mix until combined. On the last quarter cup of flour, add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt then stir until combined.
  • Grease a glass baking pan with cooking oil then spread the cookie dough across the pan in an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookie crust cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, whip together the creamy peanut butter, confectioners sugar and butter until smooth. Spread the buttercream across the top of the cooled cookie crust.
  • In a small bowl, whip together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth. Spread the buttercream across the top of the cooled cookie crust.
  • Whisk together the jelly, remaining powdered sugar, and water until a thin jelly glaze is formed. Pour the glaze over the top of the buttercream.
  • Use a knife to swirl the glaze into the buttercream until the glaze streaks through the buttercream. Chill for at least two hours or until the jelly glaze is set.
  • Cut into evenly sized bars. Serve chilled or room temperature. Enjoy!

Video

Keyword cookies, jelly, peanut butter
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