peanut butter oatmeal bars

With a chewy oat base, a creamy peanut butter middle and a silky chocolate topping, these 3-layer cookie bars are a tasty fusion of flavors and textures.

Oatmeal Ingredients

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter – 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats – 1 cup all-purpose flour – 1/2 tsp baking soda – 1/2 tsp sea salt fine – 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed – 1/4 cup granulated sugar – 1 large egg room temperature – 1 tsp vanilla extract  – 1 tbsp milk

Oatmeal Instructions

– Brown butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat stirring constantly until the butter gets foamy and releases a nutty aroma (approx. 7 minutes). – Once browned bits begin to form on the bottom, remove pan from the heat, pour butter into a heat-safe bowl and place in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper. – In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. – In a separate bowl, beat chilled browned butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and creamy — approx. 3 minutes. – Beat in egg, vanilla and milk. – Stir dry ingredients into wet. – Spoon cookie dough into baking pan then use your fingers to press into an even layer. – Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the center is set. – Cool  completely before adding peanut butter.

peanut butter layer

–– In a medium-sized bowl, beat 1 dup of all-natural peanut butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and lump free. – Spoon mixture onto oatmeal cookie layer then smooth with a spatula for even coverage. – Place baking pan in the freezer to chill for 30 minute

chocolate layer

– Place 6 ounces of chopped chocolate a heat-safe bowl. Set aside. – In a small saucepan, bring 3 ounces of heavy cream to a steamy simmer over medium heat. *Do not boil. – Pour hot cream over chocolate. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes then stir until  melted . – Allow chocolate to cool for 5 minutes then pour over peanut butter and smooth with a spatula. – Place baking pan in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes before slicing. 

peanut butter oatmeal bars

Click here to visit WhiskingWolf.com for a printable recipe and more cookie bar  baking tips