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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Reese’s Pieces Recipe

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4 from 50 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings

Description

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet Reese’s Pieces candies baked into a chewy, golden treat. Quick to prepare and packed with rich flavors, these bars have a soft center and crunchy edges, making them ideal for snacks or dessert.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Add-ins

  • 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces (divided use: 1 cup in dough, 1/2 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for easy removal of the baked bars.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar, and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Add Baking Soda and Salt: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt on top of the wet mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and mix until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
  6. Fold in Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces candies into the dough, distributing them evenly.
  7. Spread Dough and Add Topping: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces on top and press them lightly into the surface.
  8. Bake the Bars: Place the pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as it cools.
  9. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift out the bars and slice them into 20 equal pieces.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
  • Do not overmix the dough to ensure a tender texture.
  • If you prefer a more uniform peanut butter flavor, use creamy peanut butter; chunky peanut butter will alter the texture.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/peanut-butter-cookie-bars-with-reeses-pieces-recipe/