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## Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If you’re using parchment paper, leave a slight overhang so that you can easily lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled.
### Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **butter** and **peanut butter** until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step, which will only take about 2 minutes on medium speed. This process helps create a smooth base for the cookie dough and incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the soft texture of the bars.
### Step 3: Add the Sugars and Mix
Add the **granulated sugar** and **brown sugar** to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Beat the ingredients together until fully combined. The sugars will help give the bars their sweetness and create that signature soft, chewy texture.
### Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the **vanilla extract**. The eggs provide structure to the dough, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
### Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars. Once everything is combined, your dough should be soft and slightly thick.
### Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you’re using any optional mix-ins like **chocolate chips**, **peanut butter chips**, or **crushed peanuts**, fold them into the dough using a spatula. This is where you can get creative and make the bars your own!
### Step 7: Spread the Dough in the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing it gently into the corners and smoothing the top. Make sure the dough is level so that the bars bake evenly.
### Step 8: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars as they bake.
### Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
### Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are now ready to serve! These bars are perfect on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra peanut butter. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or for keeping on hand as a delicious snack.
## Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
– **Use room-temperature ingredients**: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough come together more easily and results in a smoother texture.
– **Don’t overmix the dough**: Overmixing can cause the bars to become dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
– **
Customize the bars**: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or crushed pretzels to give the bars a personal touch.
– **Storage**: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
## Conclusion
Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are an irresistible treat that everyone will love. With their rich peanut butter flavor, soft texture, and customizable options, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone looking to whip up something simple and delicious, these bars are the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a batch of homemade peanut butter cookie bars that are sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these peanut butter-packed delights!
