Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((1 stick) room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (gently packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ((stir, spoon, & level))
• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter ((its own separate layer))
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((1 stick) very soft)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ((I use Hershey's Special Dark))
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 Tbsp milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 13x18-inch half sheet pan with cooking spray.

2. 2

   For the bars: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix, scraping the bowl as needed. Add the peanut butter and mix thoroughly. Scrape bowl.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients in the mixer. Mix until incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed.

4. 4

   Press dough into the prepared baking pan. (Tip: Use a lightly floured mini rolling pin to evenly distribute and flatten the dough.)

5. 5

   Bake at 350˚F for 12-15 minutes until the edges have set and the top doesn't look wet or glossy. Do NOT over-bake. Let rest 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Peanut butter layer: While bars are still warm, dollop 1 cup of peanut butter over the top. Let peanut butter melt slightly. Then use an offset spatula to gently spread the peanut butter evenly over the top. Let peanut butter dry/set. (Can speed up the process by placing the bars in the refrigerator/freezer.)

7. 7

   For the frosting: In a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla and milk. Mix until smooth. Dollop, then spread the chocolate frosting over the peanut butter layer. Make a bakery swirled design, if desired. Cut and serve bars.