Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in sweet treats that inspire love and joy. One such delightful creation is the Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. These bars combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate and festive Valentine candies, making them a delicious dessert to share with your loved ones. The chewy texture combined with the burst of candy colors makes these bars as charming as they are tasty.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 250
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the season of love. Not only do they boast a rich peanut butter flavor, but they are also packed with chocolate and colorful candies that make them visually appealing and perfect for sharing. Their easy preparation and delightful taste make them an ideal treat for a romantic evening or a festive gathering. You can also package them as gifts for loved ones, spreading the sweet vibes of Valentine’s Day!

How to Make Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

## Ingredients:

For the cookie bar base:

• 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

For the mix-ins and topping:

• 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, but festive)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top (optional, enhances flavor)

For the optional drizzle:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or refined coconut oil)
• A few extra sprinkles and candies for garnish

## Directions:

### Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment as well, then set aside.

### Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted, slightly cooled butter and peanut butter until smooth and fully combined. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and cohesive. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition, and then whisk in the vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thick.

### Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures the leavening and salt distribute evenly before adding to the wet ingredients.

### Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix; the batter will be thick, more like cookie dough than cake batter.

### Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips to the bowl, folding them evenly into the dough to ensure each bite gets a taste of chocolate.

### Step 7: Press the Dough into the Pan

Transfer the thick dough into the prepared 9 x 13-inch pan. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to press the dough evenly into all corners of the pan, smoothing the top as much as possible.

### Step 8: Add the Valentine Candies and Sprinkles

Gently press about half to two-thirds of the Valentine M&M’s into the surface of the dough, spacing them evenly so they adhere but remain visible on top. Sprinkle Valentine sprinkles over the surface, reserving the remaining M&M’s for adding mid-bake for a colorful finish.

### Step 9: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 24 minutes. Start checking around 18 minutes; the edges should be lightly golden and set, while the center should look just barely set with a soft jiggle. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

### Step 10: Add Remaining Candies

As soon as the bars are out of the oven, gently press the reserved M&M’s onto the top, focusing on any bare spots. If desired, lightly sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast; the surface will still be soft, allowing the candies to adhere easily.

### Step 11: Cool Completely

Place the pan on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This helps them set for clean slicing. For cleaner cuts and a fudgy texture, transfer the cooled pan to the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes before cutting.

### Step 12: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

Once the bars are completely cool, melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon neutral oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 15 to 20 second bursts, stirring well in between until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate in thin zigzags over the cooled bars and scatter a few extra sprinkles or crushed Valentine candies before it sets.

### Step 13: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles; for a party, cut into 24 smaller bars, or for a more indulgent portion, aim for 12 to 16 bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

## How to Serve Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are perfect for a festive dessert table or a cozy treat at home. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added layer of indulgence. Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delicious combination.

## How to Store Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, letting them come to room temperature before serving. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

## Expert Tips for Perfect Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• Make sure your butter is melted but not hot; this helps prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
• Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients to maintain a chewy texture.
• Consider using natural peanut butter for a healthier option, though it may alter the texture slightly.
• A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

## Delicious Variations

• Substitute creamy peanut butter with chunky peanut butter for added texture.
• Try using butterscotch or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for different flavors.
• Replace M&M’s with seasonal candies to suit other holidays—think Halloween colors or pastel shades for Easter.
• Add nuts like chopped peanuts or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Drizzle caramel sauce instead of white chocolate for a decadent twist.

## Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use natural peanut butter?
  Yes, but be cautious as natural peanut butter can react differently in texture and moisture compared to commercial creamy varieties. It may yield a thinner batter.

• How can I make these bars gluten-free?
  Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

• Why are my bars dry?
  Overbaking is the most common cause of dryness. Be sure to watch the clock and remove them from the oven once the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

• Can I freeze these bars?
  Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

• How can I ensure my bars cut cleanly?
  Let the bars cool completely before slicing. A sharp knife and cleaning it between cuts will help achieve neat edges.

## Conclusion

These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that’s just as fun to make as they are to eat! With their chewy texture, sweet chocolate morsels, and festive colors, they are sure to bring smiles and sweetness to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. So grab your ingredients, gather the ones you love, and whip up a batch of these irresistible bars. Enjoy the love and sweetness they bring!

Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful cookie bars combining the rich flavor of peanut butter with chocolate and festive M&Ms, perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 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
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 to 1 cup Valentine-colored M&Ms
• 2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles (optional)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
• 1 teaspoon neutral oil (for drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pan by greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and lining it with parchment paper.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and peanut butter, then add sugars and whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together, then combine with the wet ingredients.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Press the dough into the prepared pan evenly.
7. Press half to two-thirds of the M&Ms into the surface and sprinkle with Valentine sprinkles.
8. Bake for about 18 to 24 minutes until edges are golden and center is barely set.
9. Press remaining M&Ms onto the hot bars, sprinkle with sea salt if desired, and let cool completely.
10. For drizzle, melt white chocolate chips with oil, then drizzle over cooled bars.
11. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg