why make this recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a delicious treat everyone loves. They combine the creamy taste of peanut butter and the chewy texture of oatmeal, making them perfect for any occasion. These bars are easy to make, satisfying, and ideal for snacking or dessert. Plus, they are great for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a quick pick-me-up during the day.
how to make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened and divided)
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups quick-cook oatmeal
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 1 package peanut butter chips (11 ounces)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, beat 14 tablespoons of softened butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter together until well blended.
- Add the baking soda, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until everything is combined.
- Next, add the flour and oats. Mix until blended. Set this dough aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted.
- Fold in the peanut butter chips and stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Press 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingertips to spread it evenly—don’t worry, it will fit!
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cookie dough and spread it evenly.
- Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoons over the top. It won’t cover completely, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until they are nicely browned.
- Allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into pieces and enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for the best taste (they’re best when chilled!).
how to serve Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
You can serve these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars as is, or with a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra treat. They can also be paired with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. These bars are great for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast on the go!
how to store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
To store your Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- If you like, you can add some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the bars tender.
- Let them cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
variation
You can switch things up by using chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips or mixing in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Feel free to get creative and make these bars your own!
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may change the texture slightly and could make the bars a bit more crumbly.
Q: How long do these bars stay fresh?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars stay fresh for about one week at room temperature and longer in the fridge or freezer.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake them in batches, and adjust the baking time as needed.
