CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER BARS

CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER BARS

INGREDIENTS:

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup smooth or chunky peanut butter
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips (plus a few extra to sprinkle on top)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9x9-inch pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and peanut butter until smooth.  Beat in the sugars, then beat in the eggs and vanilla... scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to get everything mixed well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.  Add to the wet mixture and beat until combined.  Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes- or until the edges are beginning to come away from the sides of the pan.  Let cool completely at room temperature before cutting into bars.

SOURCE:  RecipeGirl.com (adapted barely from King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion)