A delicious twist on the classic PB&J, these cookie bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of fruity jelly. The soft and chewy peanut butter cookie base is topped with a layer of jam and finished with a creamy peanut butter swirl, making them the perfect nostalgic yet indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A childhood favorite, reinvented – Classic peanut butter and jelly flavors in cookie bar form.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Soft and chewy texture – Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Customizable – Use your favorite jam flavors or swap for different nut butters.
Great for sharing – A fun treat for bake sales, lunchboxes, or family desserts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup strawberry or raspberry jam

For the peanut butter topping:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Spread the jam evenly over the cookie layer.
In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Pipe or drizzle over the bars in a swirl pattern.
Allow to set before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Different Jams: Swap strawberry or raspberry jam for grape, blueberry, or apricot.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Oatmeal Base: Mix in 1/2 cup of oats to the cookie dough for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or microwave for 5-10 seconds for a slightly warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be runnier, so stir it well before using.

2. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

3. What kind of jam works best?

Strawberry and raspberry are classic choices, but you can experiment with any jam you like.

4. How do I make the peanut butter topping easier to drizzle?

If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a pourable consistency.

5. Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes! Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

7. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, the dough is soft and bakes perfectly without chilling.

8. Can I make these bars vegan?

Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free milk.

9. What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.

10. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Yes! Try adding chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars bring a nostalgic favorite to a whole new level. With their soft, chewy base, fruity jam layer, and creamy peanut butter drizzle, these bars are a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you make them for a snack, dessert, or a special treat, they are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a modern twist on a classic flavor!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie Bars

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A delicious twist on the classic PB&J! These soft and chewy peanut butter cookie bars are layered with sweet, fruity jelly and topped with a creamy peanut butter swirl. Perfect for a nostalgic, yet indulgent treat that’s great for lunchboxes, bake sales, or an anytime snack.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Add the jelly layer: Spread the jam evenly over the cookie layer.
Prepare the peanut butter topping: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Pipe or drizzle over the bars in a swirl pattern.
Set and slice: Allow to set before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

For a crunchy texture, add chopped peanuts to the cookie dough.
Use any favorite jelly flavor—grape, raspberry, or even mixed berry!
For clean slices, chill the bars slightly before cutting.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.