Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
- ¼ tsp (1.5g) salt
- ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, or grease the pan generously.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.