Nutter Butter Cookie Bars

 

6 T. salted butter, at room temperature

1/2 C. creamy peanut butter

1/4 C. dark brown sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 C. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

flaky sea salt (optional)

Peanut Butter Creme Filling

3/4 C. creamy peanut butter

6 T. salted butter, at room temperature

3-4 T. honey

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder, beat until combined, and the dough begins to form a ball. If the dough is crumbly, add 2-3 tsp. of water. If the dough feels moist, add 1-2 T. flour. Press half the dough into the prepared pan. To make the filling, beat together the peanut butter, butter, and honey until combined. Spread an even layer over the dough, then crumble the remaining dough over the peanut butter. Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is set. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Let cool, then cut into bars. The bars are on the crumbly side so handle gently. Enjoy!