Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted)
• 1/3 heaping cup peanut butter (I use Jif, Skippy or similar; natural PB can separate and/or be too oily)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for sprinkling on top)
• about 16 miniature peanut butter cups (unwrapped (not to be confused with the smallest size that come unwrapped called ‘minis’))

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.

2. 2

   To a large, microwave-safe bowl add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.

3. 3

   Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.

4. 4

   Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.

5. 5

   Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine.

6. 6

   Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.

7. 7

   Evenly distribute the peanut butter cups over the surface of the batter, pushing each cup down as far as it will go.

8. 8

   Evenly sprinkle the surface with additional chocolate chips, about 1 tablespoon.

9. 9

   Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until done. If you can find a chocolate chip-free patch to test, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.

10. 10

    Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.