Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

The first time my mom made these for us, I was hooked. I mean, what's not to love about peanut butter? I really hadn't thought about making some until I had volunteered to bring desserts to a luncheon and wanted to do something "easy." Instead of using standard peanut butter, I opted for the Reese's brand. It perfectly compliments the peanut butter cups that are sprinkled on top. These bars only take a couple of minutes to whip up and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

2 c. all-purpose flour

1½ c. quick rolled oats

1 c. sugar

1 c. light brown sugar

⅔ c. Reese's peanut butter

1 c. butter

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

Topping:

½ c. Reese's peanut butter

2 c. confectioner's sugar

6 tbsp. whole milk

1½ c. chopped Reese's peanut butter cups

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter or Pam a full size cookie sheet (that has sides).
2. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together peanut butter, butter and sugars for 30 seconds. Turn speed to low and add one egg at a time. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
4. Remove bowl from stand mixer. Fold in dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Pour into prepared pan and pat down until even.
5. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top begins to brown.

6. Meanwhile, prepare topping buy beating powdered sugar, peanut butter and milk in a small bowl. Chop peanut butter cups up.

7. Remove bars from oven and place pan on a wire rack. Immediately spread topping over warm bars (it will become melty and shiny). Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Stephen + Natalie | Makes approximately 16 large bars