Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that combines the classic comfort of cookies with an explosion of fruity and nutty flavors! These Jelly Cookie Bars with Peanut Butter Frosting are not just another ordinary treat – they're a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Imagine a perfectly baked cookie base topped with vibrant fruit jelly and crowned with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you're looking to impress at a potluck or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan, creating a smooth base.
- Spread the fruit jelly evenly over the cookie dough base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- For the peanut butter frosting, whisk together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 equal squares.
- Serve and enjoy at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars.
- Jelly Selection: Choose a high-quality fruit jelly with intense flavor. Raspberry or strawberry work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment!
- Parchment Paper Hack: The parchment paper overhang makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze – no more crumbling or stuck desserts.
- Frosting Consistency: If your peanut butter frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent a melty mess and ensure clean, beautiful cuts.
- Storage Tip: These bars actually taste even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
