Peanut Butter Easter Egg Bars (Printer-friendly)

Chewy bars bursting with peanut butter and Easter egg candies—a fun spring treat for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Mix-Ins & Topping

11 - 1 cup Easter egg chocolate candies, plus extra for topping
12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until mixture is smooth and cohesive.
03 - Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture; whisk thoroughly until fully integrated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined without overworking the dough.
06 - Gently fold in Easter egg chocolate candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips, if desired.
07 - Spread dough evenly into prepared pan. Press extra Easter egg candies on top for decoration.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set but still soft.
09 - Allow bars to cool fully in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift bars out, then slice and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttery peanut flavor pairs perfectly with gooey chocolate and crunchy candy shells—you'll never want plain cookie bars again.
  • They're quick to throw together and look so cheerful, you'll get compliments before anyone even tastes them.
02 -
  • Trying to slice the bars before they cool makes a sticky mess and ruins the candy shells.
  • Adding candies on top just before baking keeps them from sinking and looking dull.
03 -
  • Letting the bars cool in the pan ensures they stay together when sliced.
  • The secret to soft bars is to underbake them just a bit—the center will finish as they cool outside the oven.
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