Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Bars

You know what they say... nothing goes together like peanut butter and jelly! These are a great snack bar, with plenty of protein too. Here's what you'll need to make a 9 x 13 pan:

Photo byPintrest

Ingredients:

• 1 c. butter, room temp
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 large eggs, at room temp
• 2 c. creamy peanut butter
• 3 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 c. fruit jam of your choosing
• 2/3 C salted peanuts, coarsely chopped, optional
• Confectioners’ sugar, optional

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.

Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and peanut butter until fully combined.

Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until the dough comes together smoothly.

Spread about two-thirds of the batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Then, layer the jam on top, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if using. Drop the remaining dough in small teaspoon-sized dollops over the jam layer.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy!!

* Notes:

Feel free to switch up the jelly flavor to your liking—it's a great way to keep things interesting!

Use crunchy or chunky peanut butter if you like that added crunch, or simply add some chopped nuts.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will stay fresh for three to four days.