Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Every time I try a new baking recipe, I put a few pieces in a bag for each of the girls in my office.   These were no exception and they got the "fun and games department" seal of approval.  Since they have oats,  they were voted the ideal breakfast food for the week.   Paired with coffee, it's a definite win.   Add a banana and you have the trifecta of baked goods, fruit and caffiene. 

These are guaranteed good road trip treats.   They haven't been on one yet, but they will later this week.     When I celebrate a little vacation by eating out instead of cooking in.    Rest assured that great New Mexico treats will be documented and shared here or on FB (go ahead, like it).  

 

Do you ever cost out ingredients at the grocery store?

I checked out the price for the bag of Reese's minis (8 oz) versus a 6 pack of regular Reese's cups (9oz).     The cost was just about the same, so I opted for the convenience of the minis that didn't need to be unwrapped or chopped.   King Soopers shows the cost per ounce on the labels, so you can make a quick calculation when comparing products or package sizes.    Had there been a real savings to buying the full size ones and chopping them up, I would have done it. 

What You Need

1 1/2 sticks butter/margarine

2 cups light brown sugar

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter (I used the Kroger store brand roasted peanut and honey crunchy pb - so good in everything)

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 cup oats (I used quick oats)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1 (8oz) bag of Reese's miniatures (leave most whole, coarsely chop a few)

What You Do

Preheat oven to 350.   Line your 13x9 pan with foil and spray with cooking spray (hello easy cleanup and slicing).  

Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.   Add peanut butter and keep at it.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg.   Then add vanilla.

In a smaller bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt.     Add flour mixture to butter mixture slowly, stirring until well combined.     Stir in chocolate chips.

Spread 2/3 of the dough in the bottom of the pan.   Top with the Reese's minis.    Then drop the remaining dough over the top.   You don't have to smooth it and it doesn't have to cover everything.

Bake for 30 minutes.   Cool completely and then cut into bars.

 

Recipe slightly adapted from Mom On Timeout