Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Cooling Time: Approximately 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Yield: 24 bars Category: Dessert Method: Baking Cuisine: American
If you’re a fan of Payday candy bars, these Payday Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite treat.
This easy-to-follow recipe combines the delightful flavors of peanuts, caramel, and marshmallows to create a delicious dessert that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a longtime Payday lover or just discovering their unique taste, these cookie bars are a must-try!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
For the Marshmallow Layer:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
For the Topping:
- 1 bag peanut butter chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup corn syrup
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preparing the Cookie Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2/3 cup of butter (melted), one egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Press this cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased 9×13-inch pan, forming a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Adding the Marshmallow Layer: 4. After removing the pan from the oven, immediately sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the baked cookie crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows become puffy and slightly golden.
Making the Peanut Topping: 5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the peanut butter chips, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2/3 cup of corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the crispy rice cereal, salted peanuts, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated and mixed.
Assembling the Bars: 7. Once the marshmallow layer is ready, evenly spread the peanut mixture over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which will take approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, cut the Payday Cookie Bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade Payday-inspired treats!
These Payday Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them a perfect indulgence for any occasion.