'Loser' Peanut Butter Cookie Crunch Bars

Could it have been the too long, cumbersome name? Or, perhaps it was the utter deliciousness of everything good in life perched atop a cookie crust, but sadly I was not chosen as a finalist in Betty Crocker's Cookie Contest. I like to think of myself as humble to a fault, but this recipe was pretty kick ass if I can so humbly say so myself.

If only Betty knew what I could do with $4,000 cash! Obviously, I would have gone to great lengths to stimulate the economy like no other with new and fabulous gladiator sandals, a flat iron to keep my hair sleek and a snazzy espresso machine for good measure.

Well, I suppose I'll just keep clippin' coupons for now.



This recipe is inspired by a few of my favorite things: cookies (obviously), toasted marshmallows, chocolate, peanut butter and rice krispy treats. Overkill? It may sound like it, but this dessert was neither too rich, nor too sweet. Rather, it's just a nice balance of yes, all the good things in life. I can't stress this enough!

In my very scientific approach to coming up with a $4,000 recipe I created this first with a peanut butter cookie crust and then tried out a sugar cookie crust. Hubby and I were so baffled as to which version was superior that we just had to polish off both batches to provide an objective taste test. Did I tell you we're on a diet now?

Ooey gooey goodness piled high! After making either a sugar cookie or peanut butter cookie crust, cover the cookie with marshmallows and toast in the oven until they're lightly brown. Chocolate is melted with a little peanut butter and mixed with a touch of oats and a good dose of Rice Krispy Cereal and then spread over the toasted marhsmallows. The chocolate crunch topping is a little difficult to spread out, but with some patience and love, you'll get there. When all else fails, I like to marble things to make my difficulties look professional!


Here's the recipe!!
Peanut Butter Cookie Crunch Bars
Like I mentioned, I made these with both a sugar cookie and a peanut butter cookie crust. They were both amazing. Here is the recipe with peanut butter cookie.
**If you want to try the sugar cookie base, follow the instructions on the bag since that variety has different add-ins.

1 package peanut butter cookie mix (Betty Crocker)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
4 cups mini marshmallows
topping:
1/4 cup mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup oats
1 1/2 cup Rice Krispy Cereal

Heat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13x9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine cookie mix, egg, oil and water until a soft dough forms. Press dough onto bottom of pan. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Remove from oven and cover cookie base evenly with marshmallows. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly toasted.

Meanwhile, melt marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butters, and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix constantly until melted. Stir in oats and rice krispy cereal. Allow to cool slightly.

Spread mixture over marshmallow layer evenly. The mixture may be a little thick so spread as well as you can. With a knife, run the marshmallow layer and chocolate layer to create a marble.

Allow to cool before cutting.

Congrats to the finalists! Go check 'em out!