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Monster Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

These Monster Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious treat combining classic peanut butter cups, gooey chocolate chips, and whimsical candy googly eyes. Perfect for parties or dessert, these bars offer a soft, chewy texture with a rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 3/4 Cup Butter (Softened)
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Whole Egg
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Topping

  • 8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Frankincups
  • Candy Googley Eyes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the cookie bars.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for a smooth dough base.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Blend in the whole egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract thoroughly into the creamed mixture.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to avoid flour flying and to ensure even mixing.
  7. Mix Until Just Combined: Increase to medium-low speed and mix just until the flour is incorporated to prevent overmixing and tough cookie bars.
  8. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
  9. Spread Dough in Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared parchment-lined baking dish for uniform thickness.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is fully set but still soft.
  11. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Remove from the oven and quickly press the Reese’s Peanut Butter Frankincups gently and randomly into the warm cookie bars with the green side facing up for visual appeal.
  12. Apply Candy Eyes: Dot the candy googly eyes over the cookie bars and on top of the peanut butter cups to create a fun monster look.
  13. Cool: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour to set properly before slicing.
  14. Remove from Pan: Carefully lift the cooled cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper for easy removal without breaking.
  15. Slice: Using a sharp knife, cut the cookie slab into 12 equal bars for serving.
  16. Serve: Enjoy the delicious Monster Peanut Butter Cookie Bars as a delightful treat for any occasion.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is properly softened to ensure smooth creaming for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookie bars.
  • Press the peanut butter cups into the bars immediately after baking while still warm so they adhere well.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/monster-peanut-butter-cookie-bars-recipe/