Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic cookies, bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and festive red, white, and pink sprinkles. Topped with colorful Valentine’s M&M’s and Reese’s peanut butter hearts, they are perfect for sharing or gifting during the season of love.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 6 tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles, divided
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
- 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray an 11×17-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat again until well combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of the sprinkles.
- Step 5: Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated and a dough forms.
- Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press a grid-like pattern of Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s evenly across the top of the dough.
- Step 7: Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack. While the hearts are still warm, sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the melted candy hearts. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into 32 squares.
Tips & Variations
- Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but reduce added salt if your peanut butter is salted.
- Swap Valentine’s M&M’s for regular or any seasonal colored candy for different celebrations.
- For a softer texture, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes and let bars set as they cool.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften slightly without melting the candy toppings.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture, though the bars will be less smooth in consistency.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results.
PrintValentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter, festive sprinkles, and sweet holiday candies into a delicious and colorful treat that’s perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Soft and chewy with a buttery base, these bars are topped with Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 32 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 5 Tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
- 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)
- 1 Tablespoon red, white, and pink sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×17-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick after baking.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, ensuring good incorporation of the ingredients.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat again thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of the red, white, and pink sprinkles to evenly distribute all dry ingredients and colorful sprinkles.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture: Gradually beat the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing slowly until the flour mixture is fully incorporated and the dough comes together evenly.
- Spread Dough and Add Toppings: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared 11×17 baking sheet. Press a grid pattern of Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s gently over the entire surface, pushing slightly into the dough.
- Bake: Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. While the chocolate and peanut butter hearts are still melted, sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sprinkles on top to add visual appeal.
- Slice and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cut into 32 squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for optimal texture.
- Press the candy toppings gently into the dough to prevent them from burning during baking.
- Cooling completely before slicing helps the bars hold their shape.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, peanut butter cookie bars, Valentine’s Day dessert, peanut butter hearts cookies, festive cookie bars
