Peanut Butter and Jelly Squares

My friends and I recently had a small get-together to celebrate finally being finished with nursing school. As always, I decided to bake a yummy treat and bring it with me. I wanted to make peanut butter and jelly squares because I had baked them before and they were quite successful. Similar to my grandmother's berry crumb bars, these little squares feature a shortbread dough, topped with jam, and then more dough crumbled on top. The difference, of course, is that there is peanut butter in the dough and also chopped peanuts mixed with the topping.

The first time I made these squares I brought them with me to the hospital to share with other staff on the unit halfway through my final practicum. At the time I was in a rush and didn't have the chance to take any pictures, therefore I couldn't post the recipe. However they were eaten up instantly and I knew that I had to make them again. This time around I made sure to take pictures before I packed up the squares to bring to my friend's place.

My friends all enjoyed the peanut butter and jelly squares, as did my mother and brother who had a few pieces that I left behind for the family. I was flattered when my friend asked me for the recipe the next day and admitted that she and her husband ate the leftovers for breakfast that morning. Originally I told her that I would send her a link to the post on my blog but she wanted to bake them immediately. Lucky for her I have a good memory and I was able to rattle off the list of ingredients and recipe in a quick email to her.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Squares

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup peanut butter (I recommend using creamy)
• ½ cup chopped peanuts
• ¾ cup jam (any flavor)

1. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar together on medium speed until smooth. Beat in peanut butter and then the egg.
3. Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture until evenly incorporated.
4. Pat down ¾ of dough into greased 8" x 8" pan. Spread jam evenly over top.
5. Combine the remaining ¼ dough with the chopped nuts. Crumble the mixture over top of the jam layer.
6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes until the top becomes golden brown. Allow the pan to cool completely before removing and slicing.