Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions:

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Gradually beat in the flour until a dough forms.
4. Press into pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Make the Filling:

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread over crust: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the crust.

Bake:

1. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Topping:

1. Melt chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
2. Pour over bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled bars. Let set completely.

Cut and Serve:

1. Cut into bars: Once the chocolate topping has set, cut the bars into squares.

Enjoy these rich and indulgent treats with a cup of coffee or tea.