Description: Delectable peanut butter cookie bars, a symphony of nutty goodness in every bite. These bars are incredibly easy to make, boasting a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a quick dessert, afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing treat, these peanut butter cookie bars are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The optional peanut butter frosting takes them to the next level, adding an extra layer of rich, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the cookie base.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (ensure it’s well-stirred if using natural peanut butter)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Frosting (optional):
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually until desired consistency is reached)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment on two sides; this will act as handles to easily lift the baked bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, resulting in a softer, more tender cookie bar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the overall taste.
Step 4: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a uniform rise in the cookie bars. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookie bars. Mix until there are no streaks of flour remaining, but avoid mixing beyond that point. The batter will be thick.
Instructions:
- Gently press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Ensure the dough is spread evenly, as this will ensure that the bars bake uniformly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it). Keep a close eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from overbaking.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting and cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling and make them easier to handle.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting (if using). In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the milk gradually, starting with 2 tablespoons, and adjust the amount until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be spreadable but not too thin.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top of the bars.
- Slice the bars into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, consider running the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between each cut.
- Serve and enjoy! These bars are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a cup of coffee.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars is a surefire winner for many reasons:
- Simple and Quick: The recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a classic flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Chewy and Soft Texture: The bars have a delightful soft and chewy texture that is incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other toppings. The frosting is optional, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and richness of the bars.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookie bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or bake sales.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars as is for a simple and satisfying treat.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Top with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized snacks.
Tips:
- For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake them and let them set while cooling.
- To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, make sure to line it with parchment paper.
- Use a good quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of the frosted bars for a sweet and salty twist.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg (depending on salt used)
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that will surely become a family favorite. The combination of simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible flavor makes them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing treat, these cookie bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the nutty goodness and share the joy with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
- Can I use a different size pan?
- Yes, you can use a different size pan, but it will affect the baking time and the thickness of the bars. If you use a larger pan (e.g., 9×13-inch), the bars will be thinner and will require less baking time. Check them after 20 minutes. If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
- While all-purpose flour provides the best texture for these bars, you can experiment with other types of flour. Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser and slightly drier bar. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can also be used, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as they may require additional ingredients or adjustments to the recipe.
- Can I use natural peanut butter?
- Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it is well-stirred before measuring. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, so stirring it thoroughly ensures that you get the right consistency and flavor distribution in the bars.
- How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, even with parchment paper?
- Although lining with parchment paper is usually sufficient, you can lightly grease the bottom of the pan before lining it with parchment paper for extra insurance.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
- Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these cookie bars. You can add about 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet) to the batter before spreading it into the baking dish. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for added visual appeal.
