Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, bringing them to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly incorporate the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
6. For the frosting, in a saucepan, bring 1 stick of unsalted butter and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to the edges. Allow the frosting to cool and set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Cookie Bars!