Summer Lovin' (S'mores Cookie Bars)

After several weeks of hot weather, wet weather, cold weather, humid weather, this week has been beautiful.  Hubster and I have made a point to eat outside and enjoy our patio as much as possible.  Last night we had a little impromptu cook out with our besties and my sister - just simple, steaks on the grill, corn on the cob and this yummy zucchini recipe (from Kalyn's Kitchen - check it out), and this dessert.

I was at the grocery store this week, looking for honey and peanut butter, when I discovered this:

 

Peanut butter chocolate from Peanut Butter & Co.  Aaaaaa-mazing.  Should I buy it?  Of course.  What could I make with it?  So many possibilities.  Would it last long enough to bake with, or would I gluttonously finish it off in the car before we left the parking lot?  Hmm...

In the spirit of our simple outdoor dinner, and with a teeny tiny bit of inspiration from my sister, I felt this would be perfect on s'mores.  A simple graham cookie base supports a thick layer of chocolate peanut butter, topped with melted, gooey marshmallows.  Simple, easy and without any fire pit spears needed.  

Promise you'll try this - it tastes like summertime.  In a baking dish.  That you could make in the middle of the winter.  Or on a beautiful summer night surrounded by your besties.  That's one of life's simple pleasures.

Simple pleasures indeed.  :-)

S'mores Cookie Bars

(a girl, dog and oven original!)

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 3 graham crackers)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 to 1 cup chocolate peanut butter spread (or Nutella, or several chocolate candy bars)

15-20 large marshmallows

Time and temperature:  350 for 25 minutes, then 2-3 minutes under the broiler

Line a 8"x8" (for thicker bars) or a 9"x13" (for thinner bars) baking dish with parchment paper.  Cream together the butter and sugars in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment.  While that's mixing, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt.  Add the egg and vanilla to the butter and sugar, and beat until fluffy and completely combined.  Stir in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.  With wet fingers, press the dough into the bottom of the baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, when the edges are golden brown and the center is set.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. Spread with the chocolate peanut butter mixture (or Nutella or layer with several chocolate covered candy bars, depending on your taste preferences) and top with marshmallows.  Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted to your liking.  Enjoy!