Peanut Butter Blondies

I found this recipe in the October 09' Family Circle. The peanut flavor in this bar cookie is perfect thanks to the cookie and frosting combination. I'm not a huge peanut butter "cookie" fan however I think these are delicious. Give these a shot, you won't be sorry. *Please note these make two 13x9 pans of cookies, including frosting.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup shortening
• 1  cup peanut butter
• 2  cups brown sugar, packed
• 3  eggs
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup peanuts, chopped

• Frosting

• 1  lb confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄3 cup hot water

Directions

1. 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 13x9 inch baking pans with cooking spray.
2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. 3. In a large bowl, beat shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes. Add eggs; beat 3 minutes more. Add vanilla.
4. 4. On low speed, beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the peanuts.
5. 5. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool slightly.
6. 6. Frosting: Beat confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, shortening, salt, and vanilla. Add hot water, a little at a time Beat until smooth. Spread over blondies while still warm.