Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you’re in for a treat with these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars. These indulgent bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while offering a delightful bite of cookie dough flavor. With a rich, creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, they are an excellent choice for dessert, a midday snack, or even a special occasion. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started on these heavenly treats!
The Upside of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars are not just delicious; they also bring a bit of nostalgia to the table. Every bite takes you back to the days of sneaking cookie dough from the mixing bowl, but with a fun twist. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a hint of sweetness creates a bar that is both satisfying and addictive. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to impress.
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up these delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – This will give your bars a rich and creamy texture.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar – For that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – To balance out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – A must-have for flavor enhancement.
- 1 tablespoon milk – To achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- 1/3 cup Hershey’s Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder or regular unsweetened cocoa powder – For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie dough.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – For a deliciously sweet surprise in every bite.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter – I use Skippy Naturals for a smooth texture.
Appliances & Accessories
Before you dive into the baking process, ensure you have the following appliances and accessories on hand:
- Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl is perfect for mixing your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – This will make creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking pan – A 9×9 inch pan works well for these bars.
- Spatula – For spreading the dough evenly in the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars: A Simple Method
Creating these scrumptious Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add in the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the vanilla and milk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cocoa and Flour
Gradually add the cocoa powder and flour to the mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the pan, pressing it down gently.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center might look slightly underbaked, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares and enjoy your delicious creation!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make substitutions, consider these easy swaps:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- White chocolate chips: Swap for dark chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
- All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While making these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing: This can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined.
- Underbaking: Keep an eye on the time; the bars should be set but not overbaked.
- Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened to achieve the right texture.
- Not lining the pan: Always line your baking pan for easy removal.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to prepare your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars in advance? Here are some tips:
- Make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Bake the bars and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked bars and thaw them as needed.
Popular Questions
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour, but the texture will be slightly different. Almond flour may make the bars denser, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough bars?
Absolutely! Chopped peanuts or walnuts would add a lovely crunch to these bars.
Are these bars suitable for sharing at parties?
Definitely! Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for potlucks, parties, or any gathering.
Healthy-ish Favorites
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these healthy-ish favorites:
- Mini Peanut Butter Cookies – Perfect bite-sized treats for any occasion.
- Buckeye Fudge – A rich, chocolatey dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the details on making these delectable Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Enjoy the process, savor each step, and most importantly, delight in the delicious results. These bars are bound to become a favorite in your household and among your friends. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla and milk until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the cocoa powder and flour to the mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the pan, pressing it down gently.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center might look slightly underbaked, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares and enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
- Store baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
