These delightful Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to celebrate love and affection! With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavors, these bars are studded with colorful sprinkles and topped with adorable chocolate peanut butter hearts, making them an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for sharing with your loved ones. Whether it’s for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or simply to show someone you care, these cookie bars are sure to bring smiles all around.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You will love this recipe for its simplicity and the joy it brings to any gathering! The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the vibrant sprinkles add a festive touch that makes these bars visually appealing—perfect for parties or as a sweet surprise for your family. They’re easy to make and can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, allowing you to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes or when you need a quick gift from the heart.
Introduction:
Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to express your affection than with homemade treats? These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. The soft and chewy base is infused with peanut butter goodness, while the addition of colorful sprinkles and chocolate hearts elevates the bars to a whole new level of sweetness. Whether you are baking for a loved one, a friend, or even as a special treat for yourself, these cookie bars will undoubtedly make the day a little brighter.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles (divided)
- ½ cup Valentine’s M&M’s
- 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 11×17 inch baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars once they are baked.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Step 3:
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue to beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookie bars.
Step 5:
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Press the Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s gently into the surface of the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. While the bars are still warm, sprinkle the remaining red, white, and pink sprinkles on top, allowing them to stick to the melted chocolate hearts. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into 32 squares.
Serving Suggestions:
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature. They make a great addition to any dessert table or can be packaged as sweet gifts for friends and family. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness of the bars.
- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can substitute the Reese’s peanut butter hearts with chocolate chips or chunks.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles based on the occasion—use different colors for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 155 per square
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
Conclusion:
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful way to celebrate love, whether it’s for a special occasion or just to bring a little sweetness into your everyday life. With their rich peanut butter flavor, colorful sprinkles, and charming chocolate hearts, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of baking these delicious bars. They are not just a treat; they are a heartfelt gesture that will surely make anyone feel cherished.
Questions and Answers:
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It will give the bars a delightful crunch, but the overall consistency may be slightly different.
2. How should I store the cookie bars?
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
4. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, use ¼ cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it in the baking pan.