Name: Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed); 1 Large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (use special dark for deeper color); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or milk); 1 cup Peanut Butter; 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla; 2 tablespoons Milk

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If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, look no further than these Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars. These bars are a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth, featuring a gooey peanut butter filling surrounded by a rich chocolate cookie base. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a late-night snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

What Makes This Recipe Special

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars stand out for several reasons. First, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic flavor pairing that never goes out of style. The cookie bars are soft, chewy, and filled with a luscious peanut butter center that takes them to the next level. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dessert that feels gourmet without all the fuss.

What We’re Using

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (113g), melted – This provides a rich base for your cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup (67g) – For sweetness and structure.
Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (100g), packed – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Large Egg: 1 – Binds the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup (17g) – Use special dark for a deep chocolate color.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – For leavening.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (155g) – The base of the cookie dough.
Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (170g) – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate adds delightful pockets of sweetness.
Peanut Butter: 1 cup (200g) – The star of the filling!
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (113g) – Sweetens the peanut butter filling.
Vanilla: 1 teaspoon – For flavor in the filling.
Milk: 2 tablespoons – Helps to achieve the right consistency in the filling.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.
Spatula: For mixing and spreading the dough.
Baking Pan: An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for these bars.
Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars from the pan.
Oven: Preheated to the correct temperature for baking.

Cooking Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars: The Process

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars will bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined and creamy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be thick, which is exactly what you want for these cookie bars.

Step 6: Create the Peanut Butter Filling

In another bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. The filling should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the chocolate cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to create an even layer. Then, carefully spread the peanut butter filling over the chocolate layer. Finally, dollop the remaining chocolate cookie dough on top of the peanut butter filling, using a spatula to gently spread it out. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some peanut butter peeking through is just fine!

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set and the center slightly soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter.
Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking in place of granulated and brown sugars.

Troubles You Can Avoid

To ensure your Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars turn out perfectly:

Don’t overmix the dough; it can lead to tough bars.
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can dry them out.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds!

Your Top Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

Yes! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be a bit runnier, so adjust the amount of milk accordingly to achieve the right consistency for spreading.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

What’s the best way to store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of caramel into the filling for an extra special treat.

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Ready, Set, Cook

With this recipe for Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookie Bars, you have everything you need to create a delightful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, these bars will surely impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special!