Peanut Butter Bars

When I was in elementary school I ate school lunch. That was back in the day when we had lunch trays that had to be washed as opposed to the disposable ones being used today. Back when the lunch ladies made food that was mostly eatable. Back when .25 cents bought you a peanut butter bar. And let me tell you, they were the best dang peanut butter bars .25 cents ever bought. After a lengthy internet search pinterest finally fulfilled my need for a recipe for said peanut butter bars. The author of the blog where I found the recipe claimed that this was the exact recipe. I wasn't sure but definitely wanted to give to give it a shot. So I did. And now I am full of regret because the recipe may be better than the original. They are so good. Try out the recipe, but I'm warning you make sure you have someone to share them with because it makes a lot. Like an entire sheet pan, a lot.

Peanut Butter Bars 

Ingredients: 

Peanut butter cookie crust: 

1 1/2 c. Flour

1¼ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Baking Soda
¾ c. Butter
¾ c. Sugar
¾ c. Brown Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
3/4 c. Creamy Peanut Butter
2 Eggs

1 ½ C Quick Oats

Peanut butter spread: 

3/4 c. Peanut Butter 

Frosting:

½ c. Butter (1 stick)

3 ½ c. Powdered Sugar

2 Tbsp Cocoa

¼ c. Milk

1 tsp. Vanilla

Begin by sifting dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking soda) together in small bow, set aside. In another mixing bowl (or bowl of a stand mixer) whip together both sugars and butter until light and creamy. Add vanilla, peanut butter and eggs mix until fully incorporated. Slowly add dry ingredients until little white is left. Add oats and mix gently.

Grease a 11x15 cookie sheet and spread dough across pan.  Don't worry about getting it completely even, just do your best. Finger marks are always acceptable. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. Or until lightly browned. Don't over bake the cookie crust otherwise you'll have a crumble base, the idea is to have something that's chewy and perfectly done. (my cookie was done at 10 minutes just watch it, don't let it get too brown) Let the cookie cool 10 minutes. While it's cooling whip 3/4 cup peanut butter until it's light in color and looks fluffy. Spread it over the surface of the cookie.

In a sauce pan melt together butter, milk and cocoa powder until it just starts to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into a mixing bowl and gradually add powdered sugar until it's similar in consistency to playdough.

 Spread chocolate frosting over peanut butter and enjoy!

Yumm!