Every family has Christmas traditions. Those little things that make the season special. This is one that I have shared for several years with my “other” family. My 4 “kids” (well, now 5 since the oldest just got married 2 days ago😊) have decided it’s not Christmas without these yummy Peanut Butter Bars!
Years ago, a co-worker gave me this recipe. They are so good and taste just like a peanut butter cup – the recipe makes a 9 x 13 inch pan so there are plenty to share.
Melt 1/2 cup margarine in a large saucepan. Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Mix well. Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix well and pat into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Place in refrigerator to cool.
While peanut butter mixture is cooling, melt chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons margarine over low heat. Spread over cooled peanut butter mixture. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Everything will blend better if the peanut butter melts into the margarine like this – your saucepan should be warm enough to do this after you’ve melted the margarine.
I use my small rolling pin to to smooth out the peanut butter mixture in the pan. It works well to pack down the mixture since it tends to be a little crumbly.
Our tradition is to have these for dessert after celebrating our Christmas. It’s getting a bit harder to get us all together – especially this year since the oldest is on her honeymoon. And my oldest “son” is now a Marine and away for training. But I made them anyway because, after all, it’s tradition!!