Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, blending the nostalgic comfort of classic peanut butter cookies with the indulgent decadence of a dessert bar. These delightful bars are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or leaving a sweet surprise for Santa on Christmas Eve. Packed with rich peanut butter flavor and a chewy, buttery texture, these bars are easy to make and impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: One bowl, minimal cleanup, and no chilling required.
2. Festive and Fun: Add holiday-themed decorations for a Christmas flair.
3. Rich and Chewy: The perfect balance of peanut butter flavor and soft, gooey texture.
4. Customizable: Easily adapt with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or M&M’s.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, or grease it with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Add-ins

1. If using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough with a spatula.
2. Reserve a few chocolate chips for sprinkling on top before baking.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

1. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.
2. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges of the pan.
3. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and festive sprinkles over the top.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Be careful not to overbake; the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

1. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
2. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
3. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

1. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra festive touch.
2. Allow the chocolate to set before serving or packaging.

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

1. Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Stick to classic, creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter may alter the consistency.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
3. Customize the Add-ins: Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.
4. Check for Doneness: Bars should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven; they’ll set as they cool.
5. Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars: Swirl in your favorite jam before baking for a nostalgic twist.
2. Peanut Butter Cup Bars: Add chopped peanut butter cups to the batter.
3. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Replace chocolate drizzle with salted caramel for a sweet and salty combination.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
5. Holiday-Themed Add-ins: Incorporate red and green M&M’s or crushed candy canes for a Christmas touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes! Chunky peanut butter will add a delightful crunch to the bars.

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Q: How do I store these bars?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger baking pan, like a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan, and adjust the baking time slightly.

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Q: What’s the best way to cut the bars?
A: Use a sharp knife and clean it with a warm, damp cloth between cuts for neat edges.

Conclusion

Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful, festive treat that will brighten any holiday gathering. Their rich peanut butter flavor, chewy texture, and customizable decorations make them a favorite for all ages.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Bars:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup festive red and green M&M candies
• ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

3. Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, M&M candies, and chopped peanuts (if using) evenly over the top. Lightly press them into the dough.

4. Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

5. Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve as a festive treat for Santa, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night by the fireplace.

Notes

Make It Extra Festive: Drizzle white chocolate or melted peanut butter over the bars before serving.

Add Crunch: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy if you prefer more texture.

Holiday Mix-ins: Use holiday sprinkles or mini marshmallows for added color and flavor.

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