Introduction

These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for sharing with loved ones. Soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter goodness, they are decorated with colorful sprinkles, M&M’s, and peanut butter heart candies for a fun seasonal twist.

Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles, divided
1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 11×17-inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat again until smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of the sprinkles.
Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully incorporated and a dough forms.
Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking sheet, smoothing the top.
Step 7: Arrange a grid pattern of Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s evenly over the dough.
Step 8: Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the candy is melting into the surface.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sprinkles over the warm melted hearts.
Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 32 squares for serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
If you don’t have cornstarch, an equal amount of arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
Use festive holiday-themed sprinkles to match any celebration or season.
Ensure the butter is fully softened to help the dough blend smoothly.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may affect the texture by making the dough slightly less creamy. Stir it well before measuring to ensure even consistency.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly.

Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 65 reviews

These Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter with festive red, white, and pink sprinkles, Valentine’s M&M’s, and Reese’s peanut butter hearts. Baked in a sheet pan, these bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for a sweet holiday treat to share or gift during Valentine’s Day.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 32 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt

Toppings

6 tablespoons red, white, and pink sprinkles, divided
1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 11×17 inch baking sheet with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cookie bars do not stick.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until fully incorporated and smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and 5 tablespoons of the red, white, and pink sprinkles. Stir these dry ingredients together and then gradually add to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until the dough is evenly mixed with no flour streaks remaining.
Spread Dough and Add Toppings: Evenly spread the cookie dough across the prepared 11×17 baking sheet, smoothing the surface. Then press a grid of Reese’s peanut butter hearts and Valentine’s M&M’s over the entire surface of the dough to create a decorative and flavorful topping.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes. The bars should be lightly golden and the peanut butter hearts slightly melted but still holding their shape.
Cool and Decorate: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of red, white, and pink sprinkles onto the tops of the melted peanut butter hearts while still warm. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 32 squares for serving.

Notes

The bars are best cooled completely to ensure clean edges when cutting.
You can substitute the peanut butter hearts with other peanut butter candies or chocolate chips if desired.
For an extra festive touch, use heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for best creaming results.

Keywords: Valentine Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, peanut butter cookies, Valentine’s Day dessert, peanut butter heart cookies, holiday cookie bars