Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

A few years ago I was hanging out with my older sister and we both had a major craving for something sweet. We contemplated what we could make to fulfill our craving while browsing through various cookbooks. There were so many options...cupcakes, pie, cookies, ice cream, a decision like this can be so mind boggling!

Then we came across a delightful cookie combination, oatmeal & peanut butter. You would think that would suffice our craving, yet, there was still something missing. So, as if there weren't enough calories already, we whipped up a chocolate frosting to top it off.

Peanut Butter & Chocolate...I can't think of a better combination.

Click below to get the recipe & tutorial!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
Cookie recipe is adapted from Better Homes & Gardens - Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Rounds.

Ingredients for Cookie
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats

Ingredients for Chocolate Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 whole milk
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step 1. In a large bowl, mix butter and peanut butter until well combined

Step 2. Add white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, & baking soda. Mix until combined, scraping the sides of your bowl occasionally.

Step 3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Step 4. Mix in flour and rolled oats

Step 5. Evenly spread the mixture on a large baking sheet. As you can see, I didn't use the entire sheet because I wanted my cookie to be a little thicker.

Step 6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 min. or until the cookie just starts to turn golden on top.

Step 7. While the cookie is baking, start your chocolate frosting by blending together the butter & cocoa powder in a large bowl.

Step 8. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat on a low speed until the frosting is light & fluffy.

Step 9. When the cookie has completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top with a knife or spatula.

Step 10. Cut into squares and serve!