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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Reese’s Egg Peanut Butter Bars

What makes these peanut butter cookie bars an absolute favorite? It’s a combination of incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and that perfect satisfying texture. Here’s why these bars stand out from the crowd:

1. Topped with Reese’s Eggs for an Irresistible Twist: Let’s be honest, is there anything more to say? They’re adorned with Reese’s Eggs! The iconic combination of smooth peanut butter and creamy milk chocolate is elevated even further with the festive shape and rich flavor of these seasonal treats. Each bite offers a delightful surprise, making them visually appealing and utterly delicious. These are not just any peanut butter bars; they are a celebration in every square!
2. A Convenient One-Bowl Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, allowing you to whip up the entire dough in just one mixing bowl. Simply combine your ingredients, press the dough into a 9×13 pan, and let the oven do the rest. It’s the ultimate hassle-free baking experience that delivers unbelievably delicious, easy peanut butter cookie bars without the usual cleanup fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert.
3. Achieving That Perfect Soft & Chewy Texture: No one likes a dry, crumbly cookie bar. This recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a perfectly soft and wonderfully chewy texture that lasts for days. It’s based on a tried-and-true formula, similar to my upcoming chewy peanut butter cookie cake recipe, guaranteeing moistness and a delightful chewiness in every bite. The balance of ingredients ensures these bars remain tender and flavorful, providing a truly satisfying dessert experience.

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Reese’s Egg Peanut Butter Bars

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your peanut butter bars from great to absolutely phenomenal. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results:

• Opt for Creamy, Store-Bought Peanut Butter: For consistent and optimal results, this recipe is formulated specifically for creamy, store-bought peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter, which often separates and has a different oil content, can alter the dough’s consistency and moisture levels, potentially requiring significant adjustments to the recipe. If you prefer natural peanut butter, you might find the texture less sturdy or slightly crumbly.
• Do Not Substitute the Brown Sugar: The magic behind the chewy texture and proper binding of these bars lies in the combination of both brown and granulated sugars. Brown sugar contributes moisture and a rich, molasses flavor that is crucial for chewiness, while granulated sugar aids in structure. Omitting or substituting brown sugar could result in a drier, more crumbly bar that doesn’t hold its shape as well. Stick to the suggested ratio for that perfect tender crumb.
• Embrace the Extra Egg Yolk & Cornstarch for Ultimate Chewiness: This is one of my secret weapons for achieving that coveted soft, chewy texture. The extra egg yolk adds richness and fat, contributing to tenderness and moisture, while cornstarch works as a tenderizer, preventing the bars from becoming tough or cake-like. While you can technically omit the cornstarch if absolutely necessary, I wholeheartedly recommend including it, as my taste testers consistently preferred the extra-chewy version! It truly makes a noticeable difference.
• Considering a Gluten-Free Option? Here’s What to Know: If you’re looking to make these bars gluten-free, this recipe *can* work with your favorite GF flour blend. However, be aware that gluten-free flours, especially in peanut butter-heavy recipes, sometimes lead to a slightly more crumbly texture compared to traditional flour. While still delicious, the bars might not be as sturdy. For a guaranteed sturdy and delicious gluten-free peanut butter treat, I highly recommend trying my dedicated GF Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, which uses almond flour and is specifically designed for a gluten-free result. You can easily press Reese’s Eggs onto those cookies for a similar festive touch!

Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Peanut Butter Dough

Start by bringing your ingredients together to form the perfect base for your bars. Room temperature butter and peanut butter will cream together beautifully, ensuring a smooth dough.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened unsalted butter. Beat them together on medium speed for about 20-30 seconds, just until they are well combined and smooth.
2. Next, add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the mixture. Continue beating on medium speed for another 20-30 seconds until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as over-creaming can lead to a tougher bar.
3. With the mixer on low speed, incorporate the large egg, the extra egg yolk (for added chewiness!), vanilla extract, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until all these wet ingredients are just combined. Then, slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing only until it’s just incorporated into the dough. Overmixing flour develops gluten, which can make your bars tough.

Tip: For an extra layer of decadence, feel free to fold in ½ to 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips into the dough before baking! You can never go wrong with more chocolate.

Step 2: Press, Top, and Bake to Golden Perfection

Now it’s time to prepare your pan and get those delicious bars ready for the oven. Proper pan preparation and careful handling of the Reese’s Eggs will ensure a beautiful result.

1. Grease and line a 9×13 light-colored metal baking pan with parchment paper. I highly recommend creating a “parchment sling” by letting the paper overhang on the sides, as shown in the photos below. This allows you to easily lift the cooled bars out of the pan for clean slicing. Spread the prepared peanut butter dough evenly across the bottom of the pan.
2. Carefully arrange and press 12 Reese’s Eggs onto the dough. You want to press them firmly enough so that about half of each egg is nestled into the dough, but be gentle! Pressing too hard can cause them to crack or break, which might affect their appearance.
3. Bake the bars for 14-16 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center no longer appears wet or unset. Remember that bars will continue to set as they cool. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before attempting to cut them. This cooling time is crucial for them to firm up properly and prevent crumbling.

Step 3: Slice, Serve, and Savor Your Delicious Creation

The final step is perhaps the most satisfying: slicing into your freshly baked bars and enjoying the fruits of your labor! Patience during cooling is key for neat cuts.

Once the bars have cooled completely (or mostly, for a warm gooey treat!), use the parchment paper sling to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 12 even squares. Each square will boast a generous piece of Reese’s Egg, making them a delightful individual serving.

Tip: To achieve perfectly clean cuts, use a large, sharp chef’s knife. Press straight downwards through the bars rather than sawing back and forth. If any melted chocolate or sticky dough accumulates on your knife, wipe it clean between cuts to ensure each slice is pristine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Egg Peanut Butter Bars:

Got more questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your baking experience!

Can I make these Reese’s Egg Peanut Butter Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free using your preferred gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, it’s important to note that peanut butter-based recipes made with GF flours can sometimes result in a slightly more crumbly texture than those made with regular flour, making the bars a bit less sturdy. If you’re looking for a consistently robust and delicious gluten-free peanut butter treat, I highly recommend my Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, which is specifically formulated with almond flour for excellent texture. You can then simply press Reese’s Eggs onto those cookies for a fantastic gluten-free alternative!

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

This recipe is optimized for creamy, store-bought peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) due to its consistent texture and oil content. Natural peanut butter, which often contains only peanuts and salt, tends to be runnier and separates more, which can significantly alter the dough’s consistency. If you choose to use natural peanut butter, you’ll likely need to adjust the flour or other ingredients to achieve the correct dough texture, and the final results may not be as soft and chewy. For a natural peanut butter option that’s designed to work perfectly, consider trying my GF Peanut Butter Cookies recipe, which was developed with natural peanut butter in mind!

Can I use different candies instead of Reese’s Eggs?

Absolutely! While Reese’s Eggs are perfect for Easter, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute them with regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (miniature or chopped regular size), M&M’s, chocolate chips, or any other chocolate candy you prefer. The baking time might vary slightly depending on the size and type of candy, but the base peanut butter bar recipe will remain delicious. Get creative and customize these bars for any holiday or occasion!