Peanut butter bars

Ingredientes

2 cups creamy peanut butter

½ cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

5 cups powdered sugar

1 ½ cups chocolate chips

1 teaspoon coconut oil

2 tablespoons festive sprinkles optional

Instruções

Line an 8×8” or 9×9″ dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, add the peanut butter and softened butter and blend on medium speed with an electric hand mixer until smooth. (or use the the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment).

2 cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup unsalted butter

Next, add the vanilla extract and salt and blend to combine.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt

Gradually add the powdered sugar mixing on low speed in between each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you add.

5 cups powdered sugar

Mix just until the sugar is incorporated and the dough looks like large crumbles.

Pour the dough to the prepared pan and press it down into an even layer. For an extra smooth top, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper over top and press the dough down until flat.

In medium microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil and heat for 30-seconds then stir and repeat for 2 other 30- intervals, stirring between each interval.

1 ½ cups chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Pour the melted chocolate over top of the peanut butter mixture and spread it out evenly.

Top with sprinkles while the chocolate is wet.

2 tablespoons festive sprinkles

Place the bars in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.

Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notas

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Slice with a sharp, bladed knife to cut the bars into your desired size. For nice clean cuts, run warm water over the knife and and wipe the knife clean with a paper towel between each cut.

Use a classic peanut butter and not an all- natural peanut butter which tends to be more oily.

Use salted butter if desired but leave out the salt if you do.

More or less confectioners sugar may be needed depending on the peanut butter . You want the bars to hold together but aren’t too wet.

Use any kind of chocolate you would like. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate or even white chocolate.

Coconut oil helps give them a nice shine. Using refined coconut oil doesn’t give a coconut flavor. Omit this if you’d like.

Decorate with any holiday sprinkles you’d like. Or simply top them with flakey sea salt for a great sweet and salty treat.