There’s nothing quite like the playful nostalgia of Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars, a dessert that wraps up all the joy of childhood into one perfectly chewy, gooey bite. Imagine buttery peanut butter cookie dough hugging a sweet, jewel-toned layer of your favorite jelly, all baked together until golden and fragrant—the irresistible union of salty, sweet, soft, and crisp. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, crafting the ultimate potluck treat, or just craving a cozy dessert that tastes like simpler times, these bars are destined to become your new feel-good favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars is how such simple, familiar ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each component brings its own character—richness from peanut butter, tenderness from butter, depth from brown sugar, and a burst of fruit from the jelly. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy base and contributes to the irresistibly tender crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Gives a rich, nutty flavor while helping the dough stay soft and chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the bars achieve a slightly crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Infuses the dough with a caramel-like depth and moisture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for that perfect, sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors for a comforting homemade taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives structure, holding the bars together while staying soft.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Provides just the right lift and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and brightens all the other flavors.
- Jelly (3/4 cup, strawberry or grape): The star of the show—pick your favorite for that classic jammy layer!
How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Before diving in, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it a breeze to lift the bars out after baking—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture gets light, fluffy, and is almost irresistible on its own. This step is key for that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until well combined. These bring everything together and deepen the flavors, turning a simple dough into the irresistible heart of your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars.
Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients
Next, gently mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Take care not to overmix—you want to keep the dough tender and soft so every bite melts just right.
Step 5: Layer the Dough and Jelly
Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, making an even layer. Then, spread your chosen jelly on top, all the way to the edges—get generous! This is what gives your bars that signature fruity swirl.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Crumble the remaining dough over the jelly layer. Don’t worry if some jelly peeks through; those juicy pockets bake up beautifully. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Patience pays off here: let the Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan. Once set, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 bars—perfect for sharing, gifting, or, honestly, just keeping all to yourself.
How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns one square into pure dessert bliss!
Side Dishes
Pair your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or alongside fresh berries. For a special touch, serve them at brunch next to fruit salad and yogurt—the sweet and salty notes suit so many occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids’ parties, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for an adorable homemade gift. You can even layer pieces in a jar with extra jelly and whipped cream for a playful trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—perfect for grabbing anytime a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
Absolutely! Freeze any extra Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then popping them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months and thaw perfectly at room temperature.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, warm a bar for 10–15 seconds in the microwave—it’ll be soft, gooey, and just perfect with your coffee or milk.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds extra nutty texture. You’ll get little peanut bits in every bite for more crunch and a grown-up twist.
What’s the best jelly flavor for these bars?
Strawberry and grape are classics, but don’t be afraid to get creative—raspberry, blueberry, or even peach jam bring fun flavor variations and colorful layers.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need an extra 5–10 minutes. These bars are a hit at parties, bake sales, or potlucks!
Are Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make them celiac-friendly.
How do I keep the bars from falling apart when slicing?
Allow the bars to cool completely and use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts. Chilling them briefly in the fridge before slicing also helps create precise, neat squares.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars really are a hug from your childhood in dessert form—simple to make, fun to share, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and let them become that happy, go-to treat everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars are a nostalgic twist on the classic sandwich — rich, chewy peanut butter cookie dough layered with your favorite jelly and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or indulgent dessert moments!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
- 3/4 cup strawberry or grape jelly (or your favorite)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Layer dough and jelly: Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Spread jelly evenly over the dough.
- Add topping: Crumble remaining dough over the top — it’s okay if some jelly shows through.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and cut: Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Try raspberry preserves or peach jam for fun flavor twists.
- For a crunchy texture, stir chopped peanuts into the dough.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg