There are plenty of people in our lives who we want to add to our holiday gift list, but let’s face it – our budgets aren’t unlimited!  If you have co-workers, neighbors, or friends to who you want to give a small gift, but need to do it “on the cheap” fire up the oven, it’s time to do some holiday baking!

Now before you start saying, “I’m not a baker!” read on, this recipe is pretty simple, quite delicious, and is sure to be a hit.  Best of all, it’s a sweet gift that fits in anyone’s budget and is sure to bring a smile to the recipient.  Plus, by putting your baked goods in one of our Christmas Candy Boxes, you won’t even have to splurge on gift wrap.

Ready?  Let’s get baking!

Image credit: Pillsbury

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, from Pillsbury

Makes 24 bars

Ingredients:

· 1 roll of Pillsbury chocolate chip cookie dough

· 1 cup peanut butter

· ½ cup vanilla frosting

· 1 teaspoon oil

· ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips

· ¼ cup mini candy-coated milk chocolate baking bits

· Christmas Candy Boxes

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350. Press the cookie dough evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan. Bake 14-18 minutes, and then allow to cool.

2. In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, frosting, and the oil until it’s blended well.

3. Evenly spread the peanut butter mix over the cookie dough crust. Meanwhile, place the chocolate chips in a small resealable plastic bag. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes until softened. Then, cut a very small hole in the bag, and squeeze to drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter. Spread the chocolate baking bits over the top.

4. Let the mixture stand until completely cool – about an hour. Cut into 24 bars, place in Christmas candy boxes, and let the gifting begin!

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars are a scrumptious holiday treat, and we know all the wonderful people on your gift list will have their mouths watering when they open up their Christmas candy boxes. Be sure to put your own spin on them – think about making some with Hershey’s Kisses, Peppermint Patties, or Mini Peanut Butter cups – mmm!