Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Perfectly Balanced : Combines the sweetness of cookies, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the richness of chocolate.
  2. Easy to Make : No mixer required—just a bowl, spatula, and your hands.
  3. Customizable : Add nuts, sprinkles, or drizzle caramel for extra flair.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or gifting.
  5. Kid-Friendly : A hit with both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 16–20 bars

For the Cookie Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter , melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg , lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, if you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter , softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  4. Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cookie base, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Add the Cookie Crumble Topping

  1. Crumble the reserved dough over the peanut butter layer to create a crumbly topping.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the chocolate topping.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
  2. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled bars. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

  1. Once the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Melted Butter Base : Ensures a soft, chewy texture without overmixing.
  • Layered Flavors : The combination of cookie, peanut butter, and chocolate creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
  • Simple Assembly : No need for chilling or rolling—just press, spread, and bake.

Variations to Try

  • Add Crunch : Mix chopped peanuts into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top for added texture.
  • Switch Up the Chocolate : Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate for the topping.
  • Gluten-Free Option : Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Nut-Free Version : Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
  • Mini Bars : Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or snacking.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overbake : The bars will continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underdone.
  • Chill Before Cutting : For clean slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

  • Romantic Touch : Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional melted chocolate for elegance.
  • Brunch Staple : Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast treat.
  • Party Platter : Arrange the bars on a dessert table with other treats like brownies, cookies, or fruit tarts for variety.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a decadent yet simple dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their chewy cookie layers, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate topping, they’re a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.

Your turn! Have you ever made layered bars before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below. 🥜


 

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