Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups flour
1 - 12 oz. pkg. semisweet
chocolate pieces
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup hot strong coffee
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar

Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 15 x 10 inch baking pan or line the pan with foil or parchment. Set aside. For the cookie base, in a large mixing bowl, beat the 3/4 cup of butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar. Beat until combined. Occasionally scrape the sides of the bowl. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and salt until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with a mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Evenly spread the dough in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. For the frosting: In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate and 3 tablespoons of the butter. Stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a medium bowl. Whisk in the coffee and the peanut butter until combined. Whisk in the powdered sugar
until smooth. Spread on the cookie base. Let stand until the frosting is set. Cut into bars. Makes 36 bars