20 January 2020

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are made with peanut butter and topped with peanuts - they're perfect for peanut lovers !



Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
The dough for these cookie bars is made with peanut butter and chopped unsalted peanuts, making these peanut butter bars a peanut lover's dream ! :)
Peanut butter cookie bars are easy to make ; they only require basic baking ingredients, and the result is a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie square.
You could also add some chocolate chips to the dough (about 100g - keep a handful on the side to sprinkle on top of the dough before baking, and stir the rest into the dough).

How to make peanut butter cookie bars :

  • Start by melting the butter with light brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar (vanilla sugar can be replaced by vanilla extract, in that case stir the vanilla extract in with the peanut butter, later). Set aside to cool.
  • Whisk some flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
  • Add an egg and peanut butter to the butter/sugar mix (and vanilla extract if using). Mix until well incorporated.
  • Stir in the dry ingredients, then the chopped unsalted peanuts.
  • Press the dough into a square pan, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top and lightly press them in (this is so they bake into the cookie bars, rather than stay on top). Bake for 25 minutes, let cool and cut into squares.

  • Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
    You might want to check out these recipes :

  • Homemade peanut butter
  • Chocolate chip Nutella oatmeal bars
  • Easter chocolate cookie bars
  • Nougat cream cookie slices

  • Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
    Let me know in the comments if you make these peanut butter bars ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other recipes with peanuts.
    See other recipes with peanut butter.



    Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
    Here is the recipe for peanut butter cookie bars :

    Peanut butter cookie bars


    Ingredients :
    85g of butter
    80g of light brown sugar
    80g of powdered sugar
    1 tsp of vanilla extract or 1/2 tbsp (1 packet) of vanilla sugar
    200g of flour
    1/4 tsp of baking powder
    1/8 tsp of baking soda
    1 pinch of salt
    1 egg
    50g of peanut butter
    100g of unsalted peanuts, chopped

    Instructions :
  • Preheat the oven.
  • Put the butter, light brown sugar, white sugar (and vanilla sugar if using) in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until the butter has completely melted. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  • Add the egg and peanut butter to the butter/sugar mix. Add in vanilla extract if using. Mix until well incorporated.
  • While stirring, add in the dry ingredients, then stir in about 3/4 of the chopped unsalted peanuts.
  • Press the dough into a square 8x8in (20cmx20cm) pan, lined with baking paper. Sprinkle the remaining chopped peanuts onto the dough, and lightly press them in.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into squares.

  • Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

    14 January 2020

    Gingerbread Spice Rolls

    These cinnamon rolls are full of gingerbread spices and topped with an amazing cream cheese frosting.



    gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'm going to let you stare at the above gingerbread spice roll for a minute or two. gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    These gingerbread cinnamon rolls are easy to make. Instead of using only cinnamon in the filling, you're going to use a gingerbread spice mix (either storebought or homemade, there are tons of recipes online !) with a little cinnamon thrown in to kick all those flavorful spices up a notch.
    The frosting is an amazing cream cheese frosting I found here. Poured over the hot rolls, the frosting melts and seeps into the pastry, leaving you with a wonderfully moist and delicious gingerbread roll.

    gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    How to make gingerbread spice rolls :

    You'll start by making the dough for the rolls (with or without a stand-mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment) : in a bowl, lightly stir some dry yeast with water, and set it aside. In the bowl of a stand-mixer, whisk some butter, sugar and salt into lightly warmed up milk. You'll then add in the yeast and a beaten egg, and mix. Add in the flour, and knead until everything is fully incorporated. The dough will have to rise in a warm place for about an hour.
    After the rising period, roll the dough out into a rectangle shape. Spread some butter, cover with brown sugar, cinnamon and gingerbread spices. Roll up the dough, cut into slices and set them in a pan to rise for 45 minutes. After that, the gingerbread spice rolls will be ready for the oven !

    How to make cream cheese frosting for gingerbread spice rolls :

    Beat butter and cream cheese together, then add in icing sugar, vanilla and milk.
    This frosting was amazing poured directly over the rolls, a few minutes after they came out of the oven. I only used about half of it over the gingerbread cinnamon rolls, and kept the other half in the fridge. When I had a gingerbread roll craving, I microwaved a roll for about 45 seconds, and poured some more cream cheese frosting on top.

    gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    Here are some recipes you might want to check out :

  • Gingerbread snickerdoodles
  • Snickerdoodles (no baking soda, no cream of tartar)
  • Tarte au sucre

  • gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    Let me know in the comments if you make these gingerbread spice rolls ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other recipes with gingerbread spices.
    See other recipes with baker's yeast.



    gingerbread cinnamon rolls
    Here is the recipe for gingerbread cinnamon rolls :

    Gingerbread Spice Rolls


    Ingredients :
    For the dough :
    3 tbsp of dry baker's yeast
    60 mL of tepid water
    110g of butter, softened and cut into cubes
    50g of white powdered sugar
    1 1/2 tsp of salt
    240 mL of milk, room temperature
    1 egg, lightly beaten
    560g of flour
    For the filling :
    60g of unsalted butter
    90g of light brown sugar
    1 tbsp of gingerbread spice mix
    1/4 tsp of cinnamon
    For the cream cheese frosting :
    60g of unsalted butter, softened
    125g of cream cheese, softened
    190g of icing sugar
    1 tsp of vanilla extract
    1 tbsp of milk, room temperature

    Instructions :
    Make the rolls :
  • Lightly stir the dry yeast into the tepid water. Set aside.
  • Lightly heat up the milk (~30 seconds in the microwave). Add in the butter, white sugar and salt. Whisk until the butter has melted and let cool.
  • Whisk in the water/yeast mix and beaten egg.
  • Add the flour in, knead until the flour is fully incorporated.
  • Transfer the dough to a greased and floured bowl, cover with a clean damp towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
  • Flour a clean surface. Knead the dough lightly and roll it out into a rectangle shape (about 30cmx40cm/11inx15in).
  • Using a butter knife, gently spread the softened butter over the entire rectangle. Mix the light brown sugar and spices, and spread them over the butter.
  • Roll up the dough, starting with the shortest side. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled up dough into 6 slices. Transfer the rolls to a greased and floured pan, cover with a damp towel, and set in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven (180°C/350°F).
  • Bake the gingerbread spice rolls for 25 minutes, until the top is a golden color.
  • Make the frosting :
  • While the rolls are baking, make the frosting : beat the softened butter and cream cheese together. Add in the icing sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
  • Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, and pour the frosting over the gingerbread spice rolls.

  • Note : I recommend pouring only about half of the cream cheese frosting over the rolls. Keep the other half in the fridge. When the rolls are fully cooled, you can microwave them individually for about 45 seconds. Pour more frosting on top ;)

    gingerbread cinnamon rolls

    08 November 2019

    Free Printable Thanksgiving Baking Planner

    Download a free printable Thanksgiving baking planner - features recipes, sources and ingredients lists to get organized for holiday baking.


    Free Printable Thanksgiving Baking Planner

    Thanksgiving is coming ! If you're like me, around the holidays, you're busy baking all sorts of sweet treats. One thing you don't want is to run out of ingredients you need halfway through baking. The good news is I have a solution to avoid that : a baking planner.

    This printable Thanksgiving baking planner will help you organize your holiday baking : it has lists where you can write down recipe names, recipe sources (cookbooks, websites, magazines, etc), and all the ingredients you will need. It also has a space for notes (for example, remember to get the butter out of the fridge so it can soften before you start making chocolate chip cookies !).

    Here's more good news : this Thanksgiving planner is free to download !

    You can use this free baking planner along with these free printable recipe cards, and if you want to get a headstart on Christmas baking, you can also find two free printable holiday baking planners here.


    How to download and print your free printable Thanksgiving baking planner :

    ● Click the download link below.
    ● Click the arrow (top right corner) to save the file.
    ● Open the document.
    ● Print the document on A4 (21cm x 29,7cm/8.3in x 11.7in) size paper.



    Let me know if you download this Thanksgiving baking planner ! Happy baking !

    See other free printables.

    04 June 2019

    Homemade Dulce de Leche

    Learn how to make homemade dulce de leche - only one ingredient necessary !



    How to make dulce de leche
    Dulce de leche is an amazing milky sweet caramel spread - it's perfect on bread or brioche, and nothing beats a spoonful of dulce de leche right out of the jar ! You could also use dulce de leche in or on ice cream. Dulce de leche is really easy to make : you will need a can of sweetened condensed milk... and some patience ! You will understand why if you keep reading :)

    How to make dulce de leche :

    Put the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan filled with water. Make sure the water comes up to an inch or two above the can !
    Set the saucepan on medium-high heat to simmer for 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to make sure the can of sweetened condensed milk is still covered in water. If it's not or if water has evaporated, add water.
    After 2 hours, turn the heat off and leave the can in the hot water for another 30 minutes.
    Using tongs, take the can of sweetened condensed milk (now delicious dulce de leche) out of the water, and let it cool down completely before opening it !
    Once the dulce de leche has cooled down, open the can and transfer the dulce de leche to a jar or airtight container, and keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.


    You may like these recipes :

  • Homemade white chocolate spread
  • Apricot tart with sweetened condensed milk cream

  • How to make dulce de leche
    Let me know in the comments if you make homemade dulce de leche ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other 1 ingredient recipes.
    See other spreads recipes.
    See other recipes with sweetened condensed milk.

    You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox !


    How to make dulce de leche
    Here's the recipe for dulce de leche :

    How to make dulce de leche


    Ingredients :
    1 can of sweetened condensed milk

    Instructions :
  • Put the unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan filled with water (make sure the water level is an inch or 2 above the can)), and set the saucepan on the stove (medium-high heat) to simmer for about 2 hours. Check regularly (every 30 minutes) to make sure the can is still covered with water, adding water if necessary.
  • After 2 hours, turn the heat off, and leave the can in the hot water for another 30 minutes.
  • Take the can of sweetened condensed milk out of the water with tongs, and let it cool down completely before opening it.
  • Transfer the dulce de leche to a glass jar, and keep in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 weeks.

  • How to make dulce de leche

    28 May 2019

    Homemade Peanut Butter

    Learn how to make homemade peanut butter ! No added sugar or oil. Only one ingredient.



    how to make peanut butter
    Homemade peanut butter is the easiest thing to do ! This recipe has no added sugar, no added oil, just one ingredient : peanuts !

    To make the peanut butter you see in the pictures, I did use two types of peanuts : unsalted and salted peanuts, in the same amount (200 grams of each). I've made peanut butter before using only unsalted peanuts - you can use any type of peanut you want, it's up to you ! The directions of the recipe will be the same for all peanuts : just blend, blend, blend ! :)

    how to make peanut butter
    How to make peanut butter :

    Blend the peanuts.

    It's that simple ! Just blend the peanuts in a food processor until you get peanut butter. At first it'll look like peanut crumbs (see photo below), but just keep blending : the peanut butter will come together.

    how to make peanut butter
    You may like these recipes :

    White Chocolate Spread (3 ingredients)


    how to make peanut butter
    Here's the recipe for homemade peanut butter :

    How to make peanut butter


    Ingredients :
    400g unsalted peanuts

    Instructions :
  • In a food processor, blend the peanuts until smooth (5 to 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the peanut butter to a jar and keep in the fridge.

  • how to make peanut butter
    Let me know in the comments if you make homemade peanut butter ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other no bake recipes.

    See other spread recipes.

    You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox !

    how to make peanut butter

    14 March 2019

    Nutella Sun Pastry

    You'll only need a few ingredients to make this easy Nutella sun pastry that'll impress your guests !


    Easy Nutella pastry
    This Nutela sun pastry is the non-holiday version of this Nutella Christmas tree pastry. The recipe is the same, the end result is different, but this Nutella sun pastry is still impressive (and delicious, of course). You only need a few ingredients for this easy Nutella pastry dessert :

  • Puff pastry - I used storebought, but if you want to use homemade, go ahead ! You'll need two 6in circles of puff pastry to make this Nutella sun pastry.
  • Nutella - I didn't measure out exactly how much Nutella I used, but 4-5 tablespoons will be enough. You don't want to use too much Nutella or twisting the dough will be a bit more difficult.
  • Egg yolk (Optional) - to give the Nutella pastry that beautiful golden color !

  • You could also sprinkle some vanilla sugar over the pastry before you put it in the oven, or add a dusting of icing sugar after the pastry has cooled.
    Easy Nutella pastry
    Here's how to make a Nutella sun pastry :

    1). Roll out the puff pastry. On one circle, spread a thin layer of Nutella (about 4 or 5 tablespoons - don't use too much.)
    2). Cover with the second circle of puff pastry.
    3). Place a round cookie-cutter (or an upside down glass) in the center of the puff pastry circle.
    4). Using a sharp knife, make cuts about 1cm apart around the cookie cutter (see picture).
    5). Twist the sliced dough a couple times.
    6). Beat an egg yolk and brush the puff pastry with the egg wash.
    7). Bake in a preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the puff pastry is a nice golden color.
    Easy Nutella pastry
    Let me know in the comments if you make this Nutella sun pastry ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other Nutella recipes.

    You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox !
    Easy Nutella pastry
    Here's the recipe for this Nutella Sun pastry :

    Nutella puff pastry dessert


    Ingredients :
    2 puff pastry circles (6in)
    4-5 tablespoons of Nutella
    1 egg yolk
    Optional : vanilla sugar and/or icing sugar

    Instructions :
  • Preheat the oven
  • Roll out the puff pastry. On one circle, spread a thin layer of Nutella (you can microwave the Nutella for about 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spread.)
  • Cover with the second circle of puff pastry. Place a round cookie-cutter (or an upside down glass) in the center of the puff pastry circle.
  • Using a sharp knife, make cuts about 1cm apart around the cookie cutter. Twist the sliced dough a couple times.
  • Beat an egg yolk and brush the puff pastry with the egg wash. Optional : sprinkle some vanilla sugar over the dough.
  • Bake for 20 to 30 minutes (180°C, until the puff pastry is a nice golden color. Optional : add a dusting of icing sugar over the cooled pastry.

  • Easy Nutella pastry

    05 March 2019

    Chocolate Chip Nutella Oat Bars

    These oat crumble bars have a hidden Nutella layer and are topped with chocolate chips to make them extra delicious.



    nutella oatmeal bars
    To make these chocolate chip Nutella oat bars, I used the same recipe as these applesauce oatmeal bars and these banana oat bars. This time, though, no fruit ! The applesauce or bananas are replaced with Nutella, and the bars are topped with chocolate chips.

    This recipe for Nutella oatmeal bars is egg-free (and you'll only need to wash one bowl when you're done making them !)

    nutella oatmeal bars
    To make chocolate chip Nutella oat bars, you'll have to combine the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder and salt), before you add in softened butter and mix until it forms crumbs.
    Spread a little over half the dough in a pan, press with your fingers to make a base, and bake for 15 minutes.
    Take the pan out of the oven and spread some Nutella on it (I'd recommend microwaving it for about 15 seconds to make it softer and easier to spread). Add the remaining crumbs on top, the chocolate chips, and bake for another 35 minutes.
    Let the chocolate chips Nutella oatmeal bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

    You may like these recipes :
    Applesauce Oat Bars
    Banana Oat Bars
    Nutella Christmas Tree Pastry

    nutella oatmeal bars
    Here's the recipe for chocolate chip Nutella oat bars :

    nutella oatmeal bars


    Ingredients :
    190g of flour
    150g of light brown sugar
    1/8 tsp of salt
    1 tsp of baking powder
    140g of rolled oats
    175g of butter, softened
    Nutella
    2 tbsp of chocolate chips

    Instructions :
  • Preheat the oven.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and oats.
  • Add in the butter and combine (using your fingers) until it forms crumbs.
  • In an 8x8in (20x20cm) pan covered in baking paper, spread a little over half of the mixture, and flatten it (using the bottom of a glass or your fingers) to form the base of the Nutella bars. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Take the pan out of the oven, spread Nutella (I used about 4 or 5 tablespoons) on the base, and sprinkle the rest of the mixture on top. Add the chocolate chips
  • Bake for 35 minutes (at 150/180°C).
  • Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

  • nutella oatmeal bars
    Let me know in the comments if you make these chocolate chip Nutella oat bars ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See other recipes with oats.
    See other recipes with Nutella.
    See other cookies & bars recipes.

    You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox !

    nutella oatmeal bars

    08 January 2019

    The 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2018

    Here are the 10 most popular recipes posted on this blog in 2018 ! Cakes, cookies,pastries : these desserts are the ones you liked.


    popular dessert recipes
    10. GINGERBREAD SNICKERDOODLES

    This snickerdoodles recipe uses gingerbread sugar for the coating instead of the typical cinnamon sugar. Baking soda and cream of tartar free.

    baking soda cream tartar free snickerdoodles

    9. 4 INGREDIENTS CAKE RECIPE (tied with EASTER CHOCOLATE COOKIE BARS)

    This is my favorite cake recipe. It only requires four ingredients (plus flavoring of your choice) and it is perfect for layer cakes !

    4 ingredients layer cake recipe

    Save up your Easter eggs to make these Easter chocolate cookie bars ! These chewy bars are made with 6 basic ingredients and as much chocolate as your heart desires.

    easter egg cookies

    8. FRAISIER (French strawberry cake)

    Fraisier is a French strawbery cake : a génoise (white cake) is filled with crème mousseline and fresh strawberries. This is a classic French dessert.

    french strawberry dessert

    7. CHOCOLATE BANANA MINI CAKES

    This recipe for moist chocolate banana mini cakes is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas.

    chocolate banana muffins

    6. NOUGAT CREAM COOKIE SLICES

    Nougat cream cookie slices are made with a shortbread cookie base, nougat cream and a white chocolate drizzle.

    nougat cookie bars squares

    5. NUTELLA CHRISTMAS TREE PASTRY

    Need an easy Christmas dessert ? Look no further than this Christmas tree shaped Nutella filled pastry ! If you want to make this year-round, just don't cut out a Christmas tree shape in the puff pastry.

    Nutella puff pastry dessert

    4. ALMOND SABLES (Almond shortbread cookies)

    These buttery sablés (French shortbread cookies) are made using ground almonds and a couple of drops of almond extract to take the almond flavor up a notch. Only four ingredients and no eggs required !

    almond shortbread cookies
    3. BEST VANILLA CUPCAKES

    This recipe makes the best vanilla cupcakes ever : they stay soft & moist for days ! They'll be the perfect base for any cupcake creations you come up with !

    soft moist vanilla cupcakes

    2. TARTE À LA CRÈME (Pastry cream tart)

    Tarte à la Crème (Pastry Cream Tart) is just that : a pie crust filled with delicious pastry cream. This French tart is very easy to make (and even easier to eat !).

    french pastry cream tart recipe

    1. TWO INGREDIENTS CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

    Here's how to make a fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting with only two ingredients. This frosting can even be made in the microwave !

    chocolate buttercream with only 2 ingredients


    Let me know in the comments if you made one of these recipes ! You can also share a picture on Instagram by tagging @acupofsprinkles and using the hashtag #acupofsprinkles !

    See the recipe index.

    You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox !

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