Salted Peanut Chews

 I can't stop eating these :)

Good thing my Dad loved them too, because I loaded up a big plate full and sent it over to his house. I knew he would love these, because he is a huge fan of Salted Nut Rolls.  These are kind of like a Nut Roll in cooke bar form.  They have similar flavors to a Nut Roll . . . the marshmallows remind me of the nougat filling and the caramel peanut topping reminds me of the outside of the Nut Roll.

I even stocked up on peanut butter chips when they were on sale, so I could make these over and over again.  They are so dang good . . . chewy cookie base, marshmallow center and caramel peanut topping.  You have got to try them.

Salted Peanut Chews
adapted from: Pillsbury
(Printable Recipe)

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla
2 large egg yolks
3 1/2 c. mini marshmallows

Topping:
2/3 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. unsalted butter, cut into smaller cubes
2 tsp. vanilla
1 (10 oz.) bag peanut butter chips (1 2/3 c.)
2 c. crisp rice cereal
1 3/4 c. salted roasted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.  In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, vanilla and egg yolks.  Add the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda and mix until combined.  Dough will be crumbly, but if you pinch it between your fingers it will come together.  Press crumb mixture evenly into prepared baking pan.  Bake for 12 minutes or until light golden brown.  Immediately sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the base and bake for 1-2 minutes longer or until marshmallows just begin to puff.  Cool while you make the topping.

For the topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, butter, vanilla and peanut butter chips.  Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, just until chips and butter are melted and mixture is smooth.  Remove from heat and stir in cereal and peanuts.  Immediately spoon over marshmallows and carefully spread out.  Allow to sit until mixture is firm (or refrigerate for about 45 minutes).  Cut into squares and serve.    

Linked up at The Weekend Potluck!