Recipe: Peanut Butter & Jam Bars

I would like to share with you a recipe my mother found many, many years ago. If you’re a fan of anything made with peanut butter, then you will love these tasty treats. They are simple to make. Believe me. If I can make them, anyone can. Give it a shot. Your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of shortening
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour*
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup red raspberry jam**
  • Glaze (below)
Heat oven to 350°. Mix sugars, shortening, peanut butter, and egg. Stir in flour, baking powder and baking soda. Reserve one cup of dough. Press remaining dough into an ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x12 inches; spread with jam. Crumble reserved dough and sprinkle over jam. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool; Drizzle with glaze. Cut into bars, about 2×1 1/2 inches. Will make 3 dozen cookies.
Glaze:
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water
Heat margarine in 1-quart sauce pan over low hear until melted. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat in hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and of desired consistency. 
*If using self-rising flour, omit baking soda and baking powder.
**You’re welcome to use a different jam but I prefer the taste of raspberry. 
Note: Unbleached flour can be used in this recipe.
High Altitude Directions (3500 to 6500 feet): For all-purpose flour, no adjustments are necessary. For self-rising flour, bake about 20 minutes.
I hope you enjoy these bars. My mom makes them all the time. I don’t know where she found the recipe but I am glad she did. They hit the spot. Try them out and let me know what you think of them!
Finished product should look like this.