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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Soft, chewy, and incredibly peanut buttery cookie bars loaded with M&Ms and chocolate chips. These are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter Use Jif, Skippy, etc.; don’t use homemade or natural – too runny
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Peanut Butter M&Ms
  • 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks or a combination
  • 0.5 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips
  • 0.33 cup Heath Bar Toffee Bits

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.
  3. Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the peanut butter and whisk or stir until smooth and incorporated.
  5. Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
  6. Add all remaining add-ins and fold to incorporate.
  7. Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Strategically place a few M&Ms on the top of the batter for a nice visual effect.
  8. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until top is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Notes

These bars are rich and packed with peanut butter flavor. Adjust the add-ins to your preference, or use them as a great way to clear out your pantry!