Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
When it comes to indulgent treats, there’s something truly magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take the classic cookie to the next level, creating a chewy, rich dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With a layer of melty peanut butter tucked between two layers of chocolate chip cookie dough, this recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars apart is the delightful surprise of creamy peanut butter nestled within a gooey chocolate chip cookie base. The use of both all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour adds a touch of nuttiness and depth to the flavor, while the dark brown sugar ensures a rich, caramel-like sweetness. The addition of mini dark chocolate chips brings a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making each bite a chocolate lover’s dream. Plus, they are quick to whip up and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, making them an instant favorite for any occasion.
What You’ll Gather
- 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 package peanut butter Nestle DelightFulls
- 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips
Setup & Equipment
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for cookie bars.
- Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
- Electric mixer: For creamy butter and sugar mixture.
- Spatula: To spread the cookie dough evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key!
Method: Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that desirable golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for achieving a tender texture.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste until fully integrated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Layer the Cookie Dough
Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Make sure to get into the corners and edges.
Step 9: Add Peanut Butter DelightFulls
Unwrap the peanut butter Nestle DelightFulls and arrange them evenly over the first layer of cookie dough. This is the heart of your Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, so make sure to get them all in there!
Step 10: Top with Remaining Dough
Dollop the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it gently, covering the peanut butter as best as you can. It’s okay if some peanut butter peeks through!
Step 11: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay!).
Step 12: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Seasonal Spins
- Add chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
- Incorporate pumpkin spice during the fall for a seasonal twist.
- Swap in white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Mix in coconut flakes for tropical vibes.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- For extra gooey bars, underbake slightly; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to customize the chocolate chips by using milk chocolate or semi-sweet varieties.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to make these Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Simply cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Common Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of the Nestle DelightFulls?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may not have the same creamy texture or sweetness as the DelightFulls. You might want to add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.
How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are baked but still soft.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
What can I serve these cookie bars with?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch.
Don’t Miss These
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Nutty Granola Bars
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of pure bliss!
Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookie bars bake evenly and achieve that desirable golden color.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan - Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once baked. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar - In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for achieving a tender texture.
- Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla - Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste until fully integrated.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
- Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips - Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 8: Layer the Cookie Dough - Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Make sure to get into the corners and edges.
- Step 9: Add Peanut Butter DelightFulls - Unwrap the peanut butter Nestle DelightFulls and arrange them evenly over the first layer of cookie dough. This is the heart of your Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, so make sure to get them all in there!
- Step 10: Top with Remaining Dough - Dollop the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it gently, covering the peanut butter as best as you can. It’s okay if some peanut butter peeks through!
- Step 11: Bake - Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay!).
- Step 12: Cool and Slice - Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- For extra gooey bars, underbake slightly; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to customize the chocolate chips by using milk chocolate or semi-sweet varieties.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
