Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines the delightful flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows, you’ve just stumbled upon a treasure! Introducing the ultimate sweet indulgence: Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars. These bars are chewy, gooey, and packed with rich flavors that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Perfect for cozy evenings, parties, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
These Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars are not just any ordinary cookie bars. They bring together the comforting texture of oatmeal cookies with the classic s’mores experience, all while being enriched with creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate. The combination of flavors and textures creates a bite that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate fanatic, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be whipped up in no time!
What’s in the Bowl
To create these delicious Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Reeses peanut butter baking chips
- 7 full-size Hersheys chocolate bars
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup Reese’s miniatures, chopped
What’s in the Gear List
Before you start mixing and baking, make sure you have the following gear ready:
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise measurements for the best results.
Directions: Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Use a whisk to mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, old-fashioned oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Ensure that everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the Reeses peanut butter baking chips and chopped Reese’s miniatures. This will add delicious pockets of chocolate and peanut butter throughout your bars.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Pour half of the cookie batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the Hersheys chocolate bars on top of the batter, ensuring they cover the entire layer. Spread the marshmallow fluff over the chocolate layer, then top with the remaining cookie batter, spreading it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want these to remain chewy and gooey.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and opt for dairy-free chocolate bars.
- Egg-Free: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes).
- Nut-Free: Use sun butter or soy nut butter in place of peanut butter.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even experienced bakers can run into a few hiccups. Here’s a list of common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Not letting them cool: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a gooey mess. Patience is key for the perfect slice!
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven and ensure it’s at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Using expired ingredients: Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and flour to ensure they’re fresh for the best results.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, here are some storage tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a cool treat!
Handy Q&A
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the bars, but keep in mind that it may change the overall consistency slightly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?
If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, you can make your own by whipping together marshmallows and a bit of corn syrup, or simply use mini marshmallows for a different texture.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition if you enjoy a little crunch in your bars.
See You at the Table
These Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a sensational treat that’s perfect for sharing, but be warned: they’re so good you might not want to! With the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and gooey marshmallows, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Gather around the table, dig in, and enjoy every last bite of these scrumptious bars. Happy baking!
Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Use a whisk to mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, old-fashioned oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Ensure that everything is evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the Reeses peanut butter baking chips and chopped Reese's miniatures. This will add delicious pockets of chocolate and peanut butter throughout your bars.
- Pour half of the cookie batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the Hersheys chocolate bars on top of the batter, ensuring they cover the entire layer. Spread the marshmallow fluff over the chocolate layer, then top with the remaining cookie batter, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want these to remain chewy and gooey.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave a bar for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
