Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the lusciousness of peanut butter with the comforting sweetness of chocolate, look no further than these Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe is a delightful tribute to the classic cookie, transforming it into a soft, chewy bar that is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Each bite is an indulgent experience that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and lift your spirits. Let’s dive into why these gooey bars are a must-make.
Top Reasons to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfectly Portable: These cookie bars are great for parties, picnics, or lunchboxes.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add nuts, swap in different chocolate flavors, or even throw in some toffee bits.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these deliciously gooey bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 rolls refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (16.5 ounces each): This is the base of our cookie bars, providing that classic flavor and texture.
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: This adds a rich creaminess that makes the bars gooey and decadent.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, this ingredient brings a nutty flavor and pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: A small amount helps to bind the ingredients together, ensuring the perfect bar consistency.
What’s in the Gear List
To make the magic happen, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The ideal size for baking these delicious bars.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading the dough evenly in the pan.
- Oven: To bake the bars to gooey perfection.
How to Prepare Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookie bars bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough and the all-purpose flour. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky.
Step 4: Spread the Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will serve as the base.
Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Layer
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the base layer of cookie dough, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough
Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; leaving some gaps will allow the peanut butter layer to peek through, creating a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still gooey. Be careful not to overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Seasonal Adaptations
You can easily tweak this recipe to celebrate different seasons:
- Fall: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and some chopped apples for a cozy autumn twist.
- Winter: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
- Spring: Mix in some colorful sprinkles to brighten up your bars.
- Summer: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate and add fresh berries for a light and refreshing treat.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip the cooling step; cutting the bars while they are warm can result in a crumbly mess.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as it can lead to tough bars instead of chewy goodness.
- Don’t forget to check the bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Shelf Life & Storage
These Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving!
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, feel free to use it instead of the refrigerated version.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference. Creamy will give a smoother texture, while crunchy will add some delightful texture.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped peanuts or pecans can be mixed in with the peanut butter layer or sprinkled on top for extra crunch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges will be golden brown, and the center should look set but still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center will come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Final Bite
These Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress friends and family alike. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and create a batch of these heavenly bars that will melt in your mouth. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan lightly or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cookie dough and flour until just combined.
- Step 4: Spread the Dough: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Layer: Mix the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth; pour over the base layer.
- Step 6: Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the peanut butter layer.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still gooey.
- Step 8: Cool and Cut: Let cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.
Notes
- For a seasonal twist, add cinnamon and apples in fall.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
