Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines all your favorite flavors into one delightful package, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars! Imagine warm, gooey marshmallow fluff and rich chocolate mingling with the nutty goodness of peanut butter, all nestled within a chewy, oatmeal cookie base. This treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking to impress friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Each bite of these bars is like a mini vacation, transporting you to a cozy campfire scene where the sweet smell of s’mores fills the air. Not to mention, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those sweet moments with loved ones. So, let’s get started on this decadent journey!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes these Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars stand out from your regular cookie or dessert bar recipe? Here are a few highlights:

• Layered Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow fluff creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.
• Chewy Texture: The oatmeal and graham cracker crumbs add a delightful chewiness that complements the gooey filling.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home, they cater to all occasions.

What Goes Into Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars

To whip up these incredible Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Reeses peanut butter baking chips
• 7 full-size Hershey’s chocolate bars
• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup Reese’s miniatures, chopped

Setup & Equipment

Before diving into the baking process, gather the following equipment to make your experience smoother:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake your cookie bars in.
• Electric Mixer: To make mixing the batter effortless.
• Spatula: For spreading the marshmallow fluff and chocolate.
• Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars from the pan.

Step-by-Step: Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating these delicious Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake those bars to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial for ensuring your bars come out cleanly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, old-fashioned oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold in the Reeses peanut butter baking chips and chopped Reese’s miniatures. This is where the magic begins, as the chocolate and peanut butter mingle together.

Step 6: Spread the Cookie Base

Spread approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to form a solid base.

Step 7: Add the Marshmallow Fluff

Carefully spread the marshmallow fluff over the cookie base. You can use a spatula dipped in warm water to make this step easier.

Step 8: Layer with Chocolate Bars

Break the Hershey’s chocolate bars into pieces and layer them evenly on top of the marshmallow fluff.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Cookie Dough

Dollop the remaining cookie dough over the chocolate layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just try to cover as much as possible.

Step 10: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

If you’re looking to make these Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars a bit more allergy-friendly, consider these substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• Nut-Free: Use sun butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).

Chef’s Rationale

Creating Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about crafting a memorable treat that brings people together. The combination of textures—from the chewy oats to the creamy peanut butter and the gooey marshmallow—creates an irresistible dessert that is sure to impress. Plus, the use of pantry staples means you can whip these up anytime the craving strikes, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or heat them briefly in the microwave.

Quick Questions

Can I use different chocolate bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any chocolate bars you prefer. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate can work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after they’ve cooled completely for the best flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as a substitute for a similar flavor and texture.

How do I know when they are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

If you enjoyed making these Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars, you might also love:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies
• Peanut Butter Banana Bread
• S’mores Cupcakes
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The Last Word

These Reeses Peanut Butter Smores Oatmeal Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. With every gooey bite, you’re treated to a delightful blend of flavors that brings together the essence of s’mores and the comfort of a homemade cookie. Whether you’re enjoying them by the campfire or at home, they’re sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!