Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Self-Frosting)

Ingredients

Cooking spray

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons (6 ounces) butter, melted and cooled slightly

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (about 24 ounces), divided

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, peanuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13 by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil allowing a little excess to hang over the sides. Spray with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl whisk flour, baking soda and salt together. In a large bowl whisk the melted butter and both sugars until combined. Whisk in the eggs, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
3. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour mixture just until combined - don’t overmix or the bars will be rubbery. Fold in 2 cups of the chocolate chips along with the nuts.
4. Put the dough in the prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from oven and scatter the remaining 2 cups of chocolate chips over top. Allow to melt 10-15 minutes then smooth out the chocolate with a butter knife to frost the bars. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
5. When completely cool carefully lift out of the pan using the parchment paper to a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangular bars with a sharp chef’s knife wiping clean after each cut. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 1 week.

Notes

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