Why Make This Recipe
Payday Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. These bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with crunchy peanuts and fluffy marshmallows. They are perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying as a snack, or even for dessert after dinner. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.
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
Serve these delicious Payday Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a glass of milk for a classic combination. They also make a great treat for gatherings, so feel free to cut them into smaller squares and place them on a platter for sharing.
How to Store Payday Cookie Bars
Store leftover Payday Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Payday Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- If you like a bit more crunch, add some chocolate chips to the batter.
- For a chewier texture, avoid overbaking the bars; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different mix-ins such as chocolate chips, toffee bits, or dried fruits. Experiment with different nuts or even use almond butter instead of peanut butter to create a unique flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
Q: What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?
A: You can substitute mini marshmallows with chopped marshmallow fluff or omit them altogether if you prefer a more traditional cookie bar.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Payday Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter Smooth peanut butter is best.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Bring to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed brown sugar works best.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs are preferable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups mini marshmallows Can substitute with marshmallow fluff.
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Baking
- 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.