Description
Scrumptious gooey peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars deliver pure dessert bliss with rich, indulgent layers of sweet comfort. Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will savor each irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth bite of this classic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (180 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
Sweeteners and Binding Agents:
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Leavening and Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (75 g) peanut butter chips (optional, for extra peanut butter flavor!)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
- Create a sling for your baking pan by carefully draping parchment paper, allowing extra edges to hang over for effortless bar removal.
- Melt butter gently, then whisk it together with peanut butter and both sugar varieties until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate the whole egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the liquid ingredients blend seamlessly.
- Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing minimally to prevent overworking the dough and maintaining a tender texture.
- Delicately fold chocolate and peanut butter chips throughout the dough, ensuring an even distribution of sweet morsels.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth, level surface.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center that promises ultimate gooeyness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, permitting residual heat to continue subtle cooking.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment sling, then slice into perfect squares for serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor variations and potential dietary alternatives.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a thicker, chewier texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips and natural peanut butter for a more intense, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.
- Customize the bars by adding sea salt on top or swirling extra peanut butter through the batter for added visual and taste complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg