Peanut Butter & Preserves Cookie Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F.           

                .   
 Can be made 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Nonstick oil spray                                    
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder                   
¾ cup smooth peanut butter
¾ cup (packed) golden brown sugar    
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg                                                
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup fruit preserves (Strawberry Bay Leaf, Strawberry Chocolate, etc.)
2/3 cup coarsely chopped salted dry-roasted peanuts

Directions:
Line 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan with heavy-duty foil, leaving 2 inch overhang around all edges and pressing firmly into corners and up sides of pan. Coat foil with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt into small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat peanut butter, sugar, and butter in large bowl until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; beat on low speed until smooth. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed just to blend. Transfer half of dough to prepared pan. Place remaining dough in freezer for 10 mins. Using fingers, press dough evenly onto bottom of pan. Spread jelly over in even layer. Remove dough from freezer; break into grape-size pieces and scatter over jelly layer. Sprinkle chopped nuts over. Bake bars until top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool bars completely in pan on rack. Using foil overhang as aid, lift bars from pan. Gently peel foil from edges. Cut into 16 squares.

Adapted from Bon Apetit recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars-364073