Payday Cookie Bars

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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. 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.
3. 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.

6. 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.

8. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which will take approximately 1 hour.
9. 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.