Peanut M&M Bars

One of those "why didn't I think of that?" recipes. I had to make them almost immediately, and sure enough, Peanut M&Ms and peanut butter bars turned out to be an unbeatable combination. I also love the festive look created by the rainbow-colored candies on top. (from Tasty Kitchen)

1/2 cup butter

2 cups light brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

large bag of Peanut M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spritz a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Melt butter and brown sugar in a heavy saucepan, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Let cool slightly. Meanwhile, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.

Add eggs to PB mixture one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Add flour mixture and stir until just combined. Pour into baking dish and sprinkle M&Ms on top, pressing down on them slightly with the palm of your hands. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until just done; they should be chewy.

*The original recipe used Peanut Butter M&Ms, and would work with regular M&Ms, of course.