Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 extra large egg
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup jam or jelly
• 1/4 cup peanuts

Directions

1. Set the oven to 350ºF. Fit parchment or foil into an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, and baking soda.
3. With a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until they look soft and smooth. Add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla, and beat again until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the flour and oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Switch to a spoon and stir until everything is evenly mixed and you have a thick cookie dough.
5. Take 3/4 of the cookie dough and firmly pat it across the bottom of the prepared dish, making an even layer. Check that it is compact, with no gaps or holes. Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Break the remaining cookie dough into small pieces or crumbles and scatter them over the jam. Sprinkle the peanuts on top, then gently press them into the jam and dough crumbles. The crumbles and peanuts should not make a solid layer over the jam.
6. Bake the peanut butter and jelly bars for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool a little, then use the parchment to lift them out of the dish. Cut into 12 pieces and enjoy.