Payday Cookie Bars
why make this recipe
Payday Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of marshmallows and the crunch of peanuts. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a simple snack at home. This recipe brings all these great flavors together in one bar, making it a convenient dessert anyone will love. Plus, they are quick to prepare and bake, so you can have delicious bars ready in no time!
how to make Payday Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add it to the peanut butter mixture until combined.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped peanuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
how to serve Payday Cookie Bars
To serve Payday Cookie Bars, cut them into squares and place them on a plate. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These bars are great on their own or paired with a glass of milk. They also make an excellent addition to lunchboxes or dessert tables.
how to store Payday Cookie Bars
Store any leftover Payday Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
tips to make Payday Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- For added flavor, consider using creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy.
- You can adjust the amount of marshmallows and peanuts if you prefer more or less of those ingredients.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, as this will help them hold their shape better.
variation
You can customize these Payday Cookie Bars by adding chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist. You could also replace the chopped peanuts with other nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may differ slightly. Natural peanut butter can make the bars a bit more crumbly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
Payday Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the batter
- 1 cup peanut butter Use creamy or crunchy as preferred.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups mini marshmallows Adjust the amount if preferred.
- 1 cup chopped peanuts Can replace with other nuts if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add it to the peanut butter mixture until combined.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped peanuts.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
