Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
User Reviews
5
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Description
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe starts with a blend of softened butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter, beaten until smooth. An egg and vanilla enhance the flavor and bind the batter, followed by dry ingredients including all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder for structure. Baked in an 8x8 pan until the top sets and edges brown, the bars are then cooled before frosting.
The milk chocolate frosting is made by creaming softened butter with sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, adding vanilla, salt, and heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency. This frosting complements the peanut buttery base with its rich cocoa flavor.
The result is a soft, chewy bar with a slightly crisp edge and a creamy chocolate topping, suitable for slicing and serving as a dessert or snack.
Storing the bars in an airtight container at room temperature maintains freshness for up to four days, making it practical for preparing ahead.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookie Layer
- 1/3 cup butter softened to room temperature, unsalted
- 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/3 cup peanut butter not natural or whipped, creamy
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Milk Chocolate Frosting
- 1/3 cup butter softened to room temperature, unsalted
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder sifted, natural
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 2-3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with aluminium foil, then grease with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the butter, sugar and peanut butter until smooth and no butter or sugar lumps remain. Add in the egg and vanilla and continue beating until combined (about 30 seconds).
- Turn the mixer down to low speed and carefully beat in the flour, cornstarch and baking powder. You may need to turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, and press down to the edges using your hands or a rubber spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or until the top is set and the edges are just starting to brown and pull away from the sides of the pan. Allow to cool fully before frosting.
- To make the frosting, in a medium bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed beat the butter until softened. Turn the mixer down to low speed and beat in the confectioner's sugar about ½ at a time. After each addition has been incorporated, turn the mixer up to medium high speed for 5 seconds. Then with the mixer on low speed, beat in the cocoa, vanilla and salt. Finally, beat in the whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you get your desired consistency and sweetness level.
- To decorate the bars, first lift them out of the pan using the aluminium foil. Frost with the chocolate buttercream using a flat-edge knife. Then decorate with Reese's Piece. Cut into 9-12 bars and serve.
Notes
- Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container to keep them fresh up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 287 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 287kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 45mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 121mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 375IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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