peanut butter blondies

I got this recipe from the October 2009 Family Circle magazine.

These pretty much taste like soft iced peanut butter cookies... did someone say YUM?!

Peanut Butter Blondies

2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup shortening

1 cup peanut butter

1 lb brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped peanuts (I omitted)

Heat oven to 350. Coat two 9x13 pans with cooking spray. In a large bowl, beat shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar on medium-high for 3 minutes. Add eggs; beat 3 minutes more. Add vanilla. On low spead add flower, baking powder and salt. Beat until mixed. Stir in the peanuts (if desired). Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool slightly.

Frosting

1 lb confectioners sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup hot water (I used a little more)

Beat sugar, peanut butter, shortening, salt and vanilla. Add hot water a little at a time. Beat until smooth. Spread over blondies while still warm.

Two pans is a big batch, but I brought one to work so that took care of half pretty quick!!

I just love how these are a "soft" cookie!