Introduction
If you’re a fan of the classic combination of peanut butter and cookies, you’re in for a treat! These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and tasty dessert or just craving a delicious snack, these bars are a fantastic choice. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create these delectable treats, provide some handy tips, and offer a few variations to suit your taste. So, let’s get started!
Who Will Love These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are for anyone with a sweet tooth and a penchant for peanut butter. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and make for an excellent addition to bake sales, potlucks, or a simple family dessert. If you’re short on time but still want a homemade treat that’s sure to impress, this recipe is your answer.
What Makes These Bars So Great?
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars have a lot going for them:
Quick and Easy
With minimal prep and no need for individual cookie shaping, these bars are a time-saving alternative to traditional peanut butter cookies.
Perfectly Peanut-Flavored
They’re loaded with the nutty richness of peanut butter, providing a delightful blend of sweet and savory.
Versatile and Customizable
You can adapt this recipe to your liking by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the peanut butter cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan onto a cutting board.
- Once completely cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Tips and Customizations
- For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the cookie dough before baking.
- Feel free to add chopped peanuts or your favorite nuts for a crunchy texture.
- If you prefer a salted peanut butter flavor, use salted butter instead of unsalted.
How to Store Leftovers If you have any Peanut Butter Cookie Bars left (which may not be likely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer-term storage by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Pairing Suggestions These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- A cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- A hot cup of coffee for a delicious contrast of flavors.
FAQ
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A: Yes, you can! It will add a lovely crunch to the bars.
Q: Can I substitute almond or other nut butter for peanut butter?
A: Absolutely, you can experiment with different nut butters to create a unique flavor.
Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Wrapping It Up
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that marries the irresistible taste of peanut butter with the simplicity of a bar cookie. Whether you’re pressed for time or just craving a peanut buttery treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-make treats!