Do you have one of those treats that you know is always going to be there during the holidays?
One of those cookies that your mom makes sure to have made by the time you get home to visit?
That sweet that just goes perfectly with a warm cup of hot chocolate and christmas music?
To me, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares fit all above criteria.
For as long as I can remember my mom has been making these during the Christmas season. I can always be sure to find them nestled somewhere in the giant cookie tin my mom uses during the holidays, snuggled up between the raspberry squares and chocolate dipped shortbread.
I think it's amazing how something as simple as a cookie can elicit a feeling or a memory.. just another reason why I think I love baking so much. You never know when you'll be creating an edible memory for someone.
Everyone remembers that special birthday cake, the brownies they got from a girlfriend after a bad breakup or the dessert that no one could make like their grandmother. Food can be powerful...
I honestly think about that kind of stuff when I'm baking- is this going to be the cake they remember? the cupcakes they talk about years down the road? "You know, no one could make a chocolate cake like Evan.."
I sure hope so.
What can I say, the holidays make me sappy.
But seriously, I look forward to these squares every year... and who knows, maybe they'll create a new holiday memory for you.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares
Oven: 350 Bake time: 5 minutes
Makes a 7x11 pan
1 cup peanut butter
8 oz graham crackers, crushed (about 2 sleeves crushed)
1 cup butter, melted
4 cup powdered sugar
1 12oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a large bowl mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, powdered sugar and peanut butter until combined.
Press mixture into pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Bake in oven for 5 minutes.
Using a spatula, spread melted chocolate chips evenly.
Place in refrigerate for about 10 minutes so chocolate can harden.
Once cooled, warm a knife under hot water, pat dry and cut into small squares.
Note: If you leave it in the fridge too long your chocolate might separate from the peanut butter part when you cut them into squares.
Happy Baking!
39 comments:
Those look so yummy and easy to make! You just can't go wrong with the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
Like Reese's cups, but in a pan...sign me up! I have friend who makes something similiar called buckeye balls. I have to take something to my family party next week. Maybe I'll share this!
they look amazing! may I have some for my coffee??? (^_^)
Wow, Evan-Are these for me?...OMG, you already have it packed and ready to ship off?
Absolutely perfect yumminess!!!
Yes, the weather here is so weird, have not witnessed such cold temperature here in all these years I've lived here!
These are my favorite! My grad school roommate used to make them all year round! I think I have all the ingredients at home...
These little squares look delicious! I love peanut butter and chocolate too, so I'll definitely have to make. Thanks for sharing!
I love these. They always hit the spot.
Sounds so easy to prepare yet looks so yummy, no wonder it's your favorite..
We love these, too...I'm drooling just thinking about them. Yours look perfect!
These look great! I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The best part is they go together so quickly but pack some serious amounts of awesome!
You've combined the two things I love most! I remember these from bake sale days in elementary school. I bought them back then and now I want to make them all for myself!
Evan I can see where you get your baking talent from - your mother! These chocolate peanut butter squares look amaaaaaazing. They totally remind me of the peanut butter dream bars from Mrs Fields - that was my favorite growing up.
Evan, I think you're trying to torture me here! I SO wish I could make those and devour the whole batch but sadly no peanuts for now. They look soooooo good, oh my word. LOVE them!
I'm going to be sending your cookies tomorrow, so you should be getting them around Friday! :) I'm excited to receive yours!!!
Those look mighty scrumptious! I love anything with peanut butter.
cheers,
Rosa
These look so yummy and would be bad news for my thighs! Chocolate and peanut butter are a winning combination every time!
Oh, I could totally go for these right now! I made something very similar recently, but now that they've all been gobbled up I'm craving more! Thanks for sharing, Evan :) I hope you've had a nice week so far.
wow!! looks soooooooo good!
These remind me of Reese's! How awesome! I can't wait to do some fun baking when I get to my parents' house and my old kitchen! There will be FUN!
I love this post! You've got me thinking of what happens around the holidays at my house. These look super simple and delicious to make. I want to try and make them! BTW, I just gave you an award on my blog! I hope you accept it! :D
Yum! Chocolate + Peanut Butter is my major weakness in the world of sweets. I just posted my peanut butter ball recipe tonight :)
Your recipe looks fantastic, and perfect for a holiday cookie platter!
They look awesome Evan ! :)
I think you're ready for your xmas...
That looks like heaven! I've got to try them!
Oh my! What a great recipe..I mean you can't ever go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter. I have a feeling that I would eat WAY too many of those perfect little squares!
These have to be addictive.
Sam
Beautiful! I love anything peanut butter and this one is even with chocolate! Spectacular!
Oh what a wonderful food memory and holiday tradition! Saving your recipe. I got PB balls covered in chocolate from my MIL last year. May use your recipe to return the favor.
These look fantastic! I can never resist a combo of peanut butter and chocolate, and these wouldn't last long in my house.
Oh my goodness - my mom used to make these all the time growing up! You just brought me back to my childhood!
I've made these before! They are insanely good! Everybody loves them - they disappear real fast.
Oh my Evan, I've never had these, I will be correcting that soon! Love all the ingredients in these! But you already knew that. Making these soon!
-Gina-
These little chocolate peanut butter squares would get eaten up quickly at my house. They look like the perfect holiday treat:-)
I love creating and partaking in edible memories too! I'm sure your mom is so touched that these treats hold such a fond place in your heart. I can see what you love them so much. I adore chocolate and peanut butter. Thanks for all your sweet words, lady. I can't wait to see you in January!
Those squares look very, very delicious!
Very well done, but I will never never never never make these. Because I will eat the entire pan. In an hour. Or less.
I think I am going to have to make these a tradition in my house too! I love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate. Funny you talk about a large tin of cookies, that is exactly what my mom does too!
Also, I posted an award for you over on my blog :-)
These sound and look fantastic. I am sure very addicting also. Glass of milk and I'm set.
Evan, I loved your description of food memories. It really is crazy how food can bring you back in time or make you feel a certain way. I'm sure that you have already made plenty of food memories for others, and that there are tons more in your future. These squares look lovely!
These are my idea of a perfect treat...they look so wonderful, and I agree peanut butter and chocolate are such a wonderful match :)
Oh my, these look awesome, I have got to try these! You can't go wrong with the peanut butter and chocolate combo!
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