Discover the ultimate recipe for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars! These delectable bars are packed with flavor, featuring a chewy texture and a creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for dessert lovers, peanut butter enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a delicious treat to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Before diving into the preparation process, let’s gather the essential ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cup peanut butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a large cookie sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside.
4. Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter, bringing them to a boil. Once melted, remove from heat.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the melted butter and peanut butter, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting
- While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Frost and Serve
- Once the bars are baked and cooled completely, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Allow the frosting to cool and set before cutting into bars and serving.
Why Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try
Discover the irresistible allure of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with these compelling reasons:
1. Irresistible Flavor
- The combination of rich peanut butter and sweet frosting creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Each bite is a harmonious blend of nuttiness and sweetness.
2. Easy to Make
- Despite their decadent taste, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
- Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for a family gathering, potluck, or casual dessert at home, Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the perfect choice. They’re versatile enough to suit any occasion.
4. Crowd-Pleaser
- These bars are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. From kids to adults, everyone will love the chewy texture and indulgent flavor of these delightful treats.
5. Make-Ahead Option
- Peanut Butter Cookie Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days. This makes them a convenient option for busy schedules or last-minute dessert needs.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy if you prefer a bit of texture in your bars.
2. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing in the freezer.
3. Can I omit the frosting?
- While the frosting adds a delicious finishing touch, you can certainly enjoy these bars without it if you prefer a less sweet option.
4. How long do Peanut Butter Cookie Bars stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh for up to a week.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
- Absolutely! Feel free to stir in some chocolate chips for an extra layer of indulgence.
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