Magpie’s Mom’s Peanut Butter Bars

Do you have any dishes that even though you know they aren’t that difficult, for whatever reason *you* have never tried to make them and so they seem a little extra daunting. These peanut bars were that way for me—and so my pride in them is probably excessive! I have just never done layer bars that involved frosting. But they are really yummy—I won’t call them wholesome or anything, but they are kind of like peanut butter cups or buckeyes without that icky feeling that comes after eating them.

I got these bars from a CLBB poster who said they came from her mom. Unfortunately I have been unable to find out anything else about her since she has since stopped posting to the boards. So, Magpie’s mom, whoever and wherever you are, thanks for these bar cookies!

A word of caution: do not be impatient when spreading the peanut butter frosting. I was, and as a result one end of pan ended up more swirled than layered (as you can see to the right). Actually I recommend, especially if you have a warm kitchen now that spring is here, storing these in the fridge. Just take them out about 15 minutes before serving (which will also help the oatmeal not be so blasted white, which is what happened in the pics I took).

Peanut Butter Bars

Adapted from CLBB (Magpie’s Mom)

½ cup (1 stick) butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup peanut butter
½ t soda
¼ t salt
½ t vanilla
1 cup AP flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 ½ cups chocolate chips
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ cup peanut butter
2 to 4 T cream
Decent pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar. Blend in egg, 1/2 cup peanut butter, baking soda, salt and vanilla. Stir in flour and oats. Spread this out into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes- just until firm and beginning to brown at the edges.

While still hot, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cookie layer and let stand about five minutes until the chocolate melts. Spread to make a smooth layer. Let this cool completely, preferably in the fridge. Do not be impatient!

Combine the powdered sugar, pinch of salt, remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter and milk. Don’t be afraid to taste and alter–more peanut butter if you want more of a peanut flavor, more salt for saltier, more sugar for sweeter… Spread this over the chocolate. Chill for 30 minutes (as I *should* have but did not). Cut into bars.