Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars Recipe for Sweeties

Creamy peanut butter cookie dough bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert indulgences.

Sweet secrets hide within each delectable layer of this irresistible treat.

Childhood memories dance across taste buds when you bite into these smooth, rich squares.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Rich chocolate chips peek through soft, decadent dough that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Unexpected textures and deep nutty notes make these bars a perfect companion for afternoon coffee or late-night cravings.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering confection.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars: Reasons to Make Them Today

• The addition of chocolate chips transforms a classic peanut butter cookie into an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering dessert in under an hour, ideal for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a comforting, nostalgic flavor that brings warmth and happiness to any moment of the day.

What You Need for Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy, rich spread that provides the primary flavor and texture for the cookie dough bars.
• Butter: Softened butter that helps create a smooth and rich base for the recipe.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with the cookie's texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural ingredient that gives the bars their consistent texture.
• Salt: A small pinch that enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough bars.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic baking flavor that complements the peanut butter.
• Chocolate Chips: Delicious morsels that provide extra sweetness and texture to the cookie dough bars.

Simple Steps for Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Peanut butter
• Softened butter

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer or strong whisk.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat thoroughly for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until completely incorporated, creating a rich aromatic base.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and a pinch of salt.

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a soft texture.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Decadence

Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges look slightly crisp.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.

Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper and slice into square servings.

Handy Tips for Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

• Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for smoother, more cohesive dough that ensures soft, moist bars.
• Gently fold chocolate chips to avoid overmixing, which maintains tender texture and even chip placement.
• Check bars at 25 minutes; golden edges indicate doneness without overbaking, keeping centers soft and chewy.
• Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean, sharp bar edges when slicing.
• Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate up to a week for extended freshness.

Storing and Reheating Cookie Dough Bars the Easy Way

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their flavor and texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying their soft, creamy goodness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their just-baked warmth and gooey chocolate chips.

Pairing Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

• Pair Creamy Milk Stout: A rich, smooth milk stout complements the peanut butter's nutty depth, creating a velvety dessert experience that balances the cookie's sweetness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast with the warm, chewy cookie base.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Drizzle: Add a luxurious salted caramel sauce over the bars, amplifying the sweet-salty profile and adding a gourmet touch to the homemade treat.
• Serve with Cold Brew Coffee: A chilled cold brew coffee provides a robust, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich, sweet peanut butter cookie bars, cleansing the palate between bites.

New Twists on Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Select a plant-based peanut butter without honey to maintain vegan standards.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: For those with nut allergies, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Use alternative chocolate chips to create a safe, delicious treat for everyone.

FAQs

• Are these bars safe to eat since they contain flour?

Yes, the flour is baked in the oven, which kills any potential bacteria, making the bars completely safe to consume.

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can work, but it might change the texture. Opt for a smooth, creamy variety with minimal oil separation for best results.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be slightly different from the original recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sinful peanut butter cookie dough bars blend creamy indulgence with nostalgic comfort, promising a delightful escape from ordinary desserts. Chocolate drizzle and smooth layers invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each rich, irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Cream together peanut butter and softened butter in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Incorporate brown and granulated sugars, vigorously mixing for approximately 2 minutes to create a light, airy consistency.
4. Introduce vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to infuse the mixture with rich, aromatic flavor.
5. In a separate container, combine flour and salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a delicate texture.
7. Gently fold chocolate chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
8. Transfer the prepared mixture into the lined baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
9. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface indicating perfect doneness.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
11. Once cooled, use parchment paper to lift the entire batch from the pan and slice into precise, uniform squares.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 15 minutes before spreading in the pan to prevent spreading and maintain a thick, chewy texture.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile or mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch and depth.
• Line the baking dish with overhanging parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg