*Indulge in the ultimate summer treat with these delightful Old-Fashioned Peaches and Cream Cookie Bars. Bursting with fresh peach flavor and a luscious creamy filling, they are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.*
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
4. Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the diced peaches.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Pour over the peaches.
6. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the peaches and cream mixture.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving Size: 1 bar
– Calories: 220
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 40mg
– Sodium: 70mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 16g
– Protein: 3g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
– Yes, you can use canned peaches, just make sure to drain them well before using.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
– You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
3. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
– Yes, you can freeze these cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
– Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use margarine as a substitute.
5. Can I add nuts or oats to the cookie dough?
– Yes, you can add chopped nuts or oats for added texture and crunch.
6. Can I use peaches that are not fully ripe?
– It is best to use ripe peaches for the most flavor, but slightly underripe peaches can also work.
7. Can I use a different fruit instead of peaches?
– You can try using other fruits like berries or apples for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
– You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
9. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough?
– Yes, you can add spices to enhance the flavor of the cookie bars.
10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
– These bars are best served fresh, but you can make them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
**Helpful tips:**
1. Make sure to peel the peaches before dicing them for a smoother texture.
2. Chill the dough for a few minutes before pressing it into the baking dish for easier handling.
3. Drizzle some honey over the top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious summer dessert.
5. You can add a crumb topping with oats, brown sugar, and butter for a different twist.
6. Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
7. Mix in some lemon zest with the peaches for a citrusy kick.
8. Experiment with different fruits like apricots or nectarines for variety.
9. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
10. Dust some cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top for a decorative finish.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Use cold butter for flakier cookie bars.
2. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. For a creamier filling, whip the heavy cream with a bit of sugar before pouring over the peaches.
5. Add a splash of bourbon to the cream mixture for a boozy kick.
6. Use a pastry cutter to easily incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.
7. Experiment with different extracts like almond or peach for a unique flavor profile.
8. For a caramelized flavor, sprinkle some brown sugar over the peaches before adding the cream mixture.
9. Serve these bars as a decadent brunch dish or dessert.
10. For a festive touch, top with a scoop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Enjoy these Old-Fashioned Peaches and Cream Cookie Bars as a delightful summer treat that will surely impress your family and friends! 🍑🍪 #PeachesAndCream #Recipe #SummerTreats