peanut butter m&m blondies

Friday was my last day at my clinical site and I wanted to bake something to bring in for the physical therapists I worked with.  I have learned so much from each of them in the past 4 weeks and I don't think there is any better way to say "thank you" than with baked goods.  I wanted to make sure I made something that everyone would enjoy, and I don't think you can ever go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate.

Peanut butter M&M's are my favorite candy and I have really been wanting to incorporate them into baking.  I have put them in chocolate rice krispie treats before (REALLY good, by the way), but this time I decided to add them to peanut butter blondies.  The peanut butter blondies were dense and chewy, and the texture really stood out with the M&M's on top, instead of mixed into the batter.  Needless to say, these were a huge hit with the PT's and appreciated by all!

Peanut Butter M&M Blondies

adapted from my kitchen addiction

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups peanut butter M&Ms (from a medium sized bag)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease 9x13 inch baking pan.  

In medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth.  When it is smooth, remove from heat and add peanut butter.  Allow to cool while combining the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  

Add the eggs to the brown sugar and peanut butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.  Add the vanilla and stir to combine.  Pour the mixture into the mixed dry ingredients and stir until combined.  It will be a thick, smooth batter.  

Pour until prepared baking dish and top with peanut butter M&M's, pressing them down into the batter.  

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.  Allow them to cool in pan before cutting into bars.