Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter + Chocolate = Sweet chewy yumminess.

Need I say more? I didn't think so, well other than thank you to my friend Nicole for sharing this fabulous recipe with me!  In a pinch, this recipe is so quick to make and comes out perfect every time.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1/2 c. peanut butter (any style)

1/3 c. butter or margarine (I prefer butter)

1  c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1  c. flour

1  t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1 pkg. (6 oz) chocolate chips

Cream peanut butter and butter with an electric mixer.  Gradually add sugars and beat until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg.  Mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to peanut butter mixture and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Spread in buttered 9" square pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool in pan on cake rack.  Makes 16  2 1/4" squares.

Peanut Butter Balls

I was craving something a little sweet and indulgent tonight, but didn't want to spend a lot of time cooking since my dear husband needed to get in the kitchen to make us dinner.  I love that guy! (He made us sliders and a salad if you were wondering.  It was delicious!)  Anyhoo, an old recipe that I remember making with my mom when I was a wee little one came to mind: Peanut Butter Balls.  

Minimal prep and no baking required! It only takes about 10 minutes to make.

Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 3 1/2 crackers)

Chocolate sprinkles or powdered sugar

Instructions:

Crumb the graham crackers in a food processor. Add the nonfat dry milk, peanut butter, and honey.  Process until it is well mixed.

 Roll the dough into 1" balls and then roll in chocolate sprinkles (or powdered sugar). 

Keep refrigerated. Makes about 20 peanut butter balls.

I look forward to making these when Aaron is a little older. I think we'll have fun making these together :)

Enjoy!

Update:  If you want something a bit healthier or for the little ones check out this recipe for Almond Butter Balls. I haven't made it yet, but plan to soon!