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Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/valentine-peanut-butter-cookie-bars-recipe/