Just like the classic cookies except made as cookie bars rather than individual cookies. Bars are faster, easier, there’s no dough to chill, they’re made in one bowl, and you don’t need a mixer. The bars are dense, soft, chewy, buttery, have plenty of peanut butter flavor, and each is topped with a Kiss.
½cuppeanut butterI use Jif, Skippy or similar; natural PB can separate and/or be too oily
1large egg
1cuplight brown sugarpacked
1tablespoonvanilla extract
1cupall-purpose flour
about 9 unwrapped chocolate Kissesif you cut your bars smaller, you’ll need more Kisses
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
To a large, microwave-safe bowl add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
Bake for about 21 to 24 minutes, or until done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.
After removing pan from the oven, evenly add the Kisses, pressing each one down slightly so that it adheres.
Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Bars are best fresh but will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temp or up to 4 months in the freezer.