Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups (283g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (181g) quick oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, (softened)
• 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light-brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup 113g) unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
• 1/4 cup (26g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60g) milk
• 2 pinches salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

3. 3

   In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.

4. 4

   Mix in eggs one at a time. Then blend in 1 cup peanut butter and the vanilla.

5. 5

   Add in flour mixture and mix just until combined.

6. 6

   Drop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheet. Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray and spread dough into an even layer.

7. 7

   Bake in preheated oven 13 - 15 minutes until golden (see notes).

8. 8

   Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes, then dollop remaining 1 cup peanut butter by spoonfuls over top. Let sit 1 minute then spread peanut butter into an even layer to cover top.

9. 9

   Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in cocoa, milk and salt and bring mixture just to a boil over medium heat.

10. 10

    Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, then stir in powdered sugar and mix until well combined (if needed you can add 1 Tbsp hot water to thin).

11. 11

    Immediately pour over bars and spread into an even layer. Allow frosting to set then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.