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Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

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These irresistible Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter, gooey chocolate, and festive M&M’s for a delightful treat perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (1 stick, 113 g)
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural, well-stirred)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 3/4 to 1 cup Valentine-colored M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
  • 2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top (optional)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
  • 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or refined coconut oil)
  • A few extra sprinkles and candies for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), with the oven rack in the center position.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Whisk together melted butter and peanut butter until smooth, then add sugars, whisking until thick and glossy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla.
  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and fold gently until just combined.
  6. Fold in the Chocolates: Add both chocolate chips and fold gently to incorporate.
  7. Press the Dough into the Pan: Transfer dough into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  8. Add Candies and Sprinkles: Press half to two-thirds of the M&M’s onto the surface of the dough and sprinkle with festive decorations.
  9. Bake the Bars: Bake for 18 to 24 minutes until edges are golden and center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Add Remaining Candies: Press reserved M&M’s onto warm bars and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.
  11. Cool Completely: Allow to cool in the pan for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  12. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: Microwave the white chocolate chips with oil until smooth and drizzle over cooled bars.
  13. Slice and Serve: Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang, slice into bars, and enjoy.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for about a week. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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