If your cookie monsters like rice krispies treats, I suspect they'll really enjoy these simple no-bake cookie bars. Corn flakes add texture and audible crunch to this confection that is made with a near-perfect pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. I found the recipe on Serious Eats and it was developed by Yvonne Ruperti, who blogs at Shophousecook. This treat, actually more like a confection than a cookie, is almost effortless to make, and the batch quickly disappeared from my kitchen, where anything made with the peanut butter and chocolate combo never has a chance to stale. Kids will love these, and those over ten can actually make them for themselves -  if you can stand the mess they are sure to make as they assemble and eat them. Kids of all ages love these, so, if you are young at heart, I hope you'll give this recipe a try. Here's how the cookies are made.

Crispy No-Bake Corn Flake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bars

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/3 cup light brown sugar

Pinch salt

4 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

1/3 cup salted peanuts, chopped, divided use

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Directions:

1) Line a 8 x 8-inch baking pan with foil. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add peanut butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt and continue to cook, stirring, until melted and smooth.

2) Stir in corn flakes, 1/4 cup peanuts, and vanilla until just combined. Spoon into prepared pan and smooth top.

3) In heatproof bowl over pan of barely simmering water (or in microwave), heat chocolate until just melted. Spread over top. Sprinkle with remaining chopped peanuts. Chill until firm, about 2 hours. Remove from pan and cut into 2-inch squares. Yield: 16 squares.

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