Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any peanut butter lover! These delicious bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with rich peanut flavor. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a tasty pick-me-up during the day!

Why make this recipe?

Making Peanut Butter Cookie Bars is not only simple, but it also fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. They are a crowd pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they are great for any occasion, whether it’s a bake sale, a party, or just a cozy night at home. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and time, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels! 🥜🍪

How to prepare Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 🥜 1 cup peanut butter
• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬 1 cup brown sugar
• 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 2 eggs
• 🌱 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 💧 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. 🏠
2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth. 🥄
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, then beat the mixture until creamy. 🍯
4. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. 🥚
5. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. 🌾
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. 🥣
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. ⏲️
8. Let it cool in the pan before cutting it into bars. 🍽️

How to serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Serve these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an extra treat. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful snack! 🥛☕

How to store Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

To store your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them in individual servings for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn! ❄️

Tips for preparing Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
• You can use crunchy peanut butter for an extra texture.
• If you want to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the granulated sugar without it affecting the taste too much.
• Let the bars cool completely for cleaner cuts when slicing. 🔪

Variations

• For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the batter.
• Try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch. 🐿️
• You can also swirl some jelly or jam through the batter before baking for a fruity flavor! 🍇

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. Just make sure it’s well stirred before measuring so the consistency is smooth!

2. How can I tell when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. 🥳

Enjoy baking and indulging in these scrumptious Peanut Butter Cookie Bars! 🍪❤️