Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic peanut butter cookies, perfect for celebrating the season of love. Soft, chewy, and loaded with sweet Valentine’s-themed candies and sprinkles, they’re a delightful treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 6 tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles, divided
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
- 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11×17 inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray to prepare it for the cookie bars.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating again until fully combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of the red, white, and pink sprinkles. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, beating slowly until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Step 4: Spread the cookie dough evenly across the prepared baking sheet, smoothing the surface. Arrange a grid pattern of Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s evenly over the dough, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Remove from the oven and transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack.
- Step 6: While the cookie bars are still warm, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sprinkles over the melted peanut butter hearts. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 32 squares.
Tips & Variations
- For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookie bars by about a minute. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Swap out the Valentine’s M&M’s for chopped peanuts or chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet topping.
- Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but reduce added salt accordingly.
Storage
Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow to come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine and adds a nice texture contrast. Just be sure to mix well to avoid large chunks.
PrintValentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter, classic cookie dough flavors, and festive red, white, and pink sprinkles, along with Valentine’s themed M&M’s and peanut butter heart chocolates. Perfectly baked in a sheet pan, these bars have a soft, chewy texture topped with delightful candy accents, ideal for celebrating Valentine’s Day with a sweet homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 32 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 5 Tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
- 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)
- 1 Tablespoon red, white, and pink sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 11×17-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. Beat again until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of red, white, and pink sprinkles.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture: Gradually beat the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, forming the cookie dough.
- Spread dough in pan and top: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s in a grid pattern evenly across the dough’s surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the cookie bar is set.
- Cool and finish toppings: Remove from oven and transfer the pan onto a wire rack. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of red, white, and pink sprinkles over the top of the melted peanut butter hearts. Allow to cool completely before slicing into 32 squares.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Pressing the candy toppings gently into the dough helps them meld with the bars as they bake.
- Allow the bars to cool fully to avoid crumbling when cutting.
- Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive variation, try swapping the M&M’s and candy hearts for other holiday-themed candies.
Keywords: Valentine’s Day, peanut butter cookie bars, holiday cookies, peanut butter treats, festive desserts
