Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Peanut butter cookie bars are a delicious treat that combines the irresistible flavor of peanut butter with the chewy texture of a cookie. These bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, and are sure to be a hit with peanut butter lovers of all ages.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- 3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- 5. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is evenly spread out.
- 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- 7. Allow the cookie bars to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Popular questions:
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- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
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- Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?
You can use all white sugar if you prefer, but the brown sugar adds a rich flavor to the bars.
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- Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for a delicious twist on this recipe.
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- How should I store these cookie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
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- Can I double the recipe to make more bars?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of peanut butter cookie bars.
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- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
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- Can I add chopped nuts to the dough?
Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delicious crunch to these bars.
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- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
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- How long do these bars stay fresh?
These bars will stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container.
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- Can I drizzle chocolate on top of these bars?
Drizzling melted chocolate on top of these bars can be a delicious finishing touch to enhance the flavor.
Helpful tips:
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars before baking for a salty-sweet flavor contrast.
- If you prefer a softer texture, slightly under-bake the bars and allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- For extra richness, use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth.
- To enhance the peanut flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the bars before baking.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finish.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for a chilled treat.
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or oat flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Top the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for a unique twist on this recipe.
Expert Secrets:
- Using room temperature butter and eggs will help create a smoother dough for the bars.
- Allowing the dough to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking can result in a chewier texture.
- For a gooey center, slightly under-bake the bars and allow them to cool in the baking dish before cutting.
- To prevent the bars from spreading too much during baking, make sure the dough is evenly pressed into the pan.
- Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can enhance the overall flavor profile of the bars.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for the butter and use a dairy-free chocolate chip option.
- To make these bars extra indulgent, swirl in some caramel sauce before baking for a decadent treat.
- For a crunchy texture, add a handful of crushed pretzels or toffee bits to the dough.
- Bake the bars on a lower rack in the oven to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
- For a fun twist, cut the bars into mini squares for a bite-sized treat that is perfect for sharing.