Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Chocolate Filled Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are not just a dessert - they're a decadent journey of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping treat for family gatherings or a delightful indulgence to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth, consistent dough.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the peanut butter cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter dough base, creating a uniform chocolate layer.
- Crumble the remaining one-third of the peanut butter cookie dough over the chocolate chips, creating a rustic, uneven top layer that partially covers the chocolate.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top of the cookie bars for added texture and crunch.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The chocolate will set as the bars cool.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12 equal squares.
- Serve at room temperature and store any remaining bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your egg and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.
- For extra richness, use high-quality chocolate chips like semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the chocolate to set and prevent crumbling.
- For a gourmet touch, try using chunky peanut butter or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
- For a fun variation, try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
