Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 C sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 C creamy OR crunchy (I'd definitely opt for the crunchy!) peanut butter
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C strawberry OR your favorite flavor preserves
2/3 C salted peanuts
2/3 C peanut butter chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and lightly flour a 9" x 13" baking pan.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Lower speed; add egg, vanilla and peanut butter; beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. On low speed, slowly add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of the dough.
Using your fingertips, press remaining dough into an even layer in pan. Spread preserves over dough. Crumble reserved 1/2 cup dough over preserves. Sprinkle with peanuts and peanut butter chips.
Bake until golden and bubbly, about 45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Makes 24 bars
