Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the ooey-gooey goodness of chocolate? Look no further than these Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars! They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, and they come together in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. With a chewy texture and bursts of peanut butter chips, every bite is a delightful experience. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, how to make it, and everything else you need to know to whip up a batch of these delicious bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are an absolute dream for peanut butter lovers. Here’s why this recipe will soon be a staple in your home:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate creates a flavor explosion.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, these bars are beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home with a glass of milk.
- Make Ahead: These bars stay fresh, making them a great option for meal prep or treats throughout the week.
Gather These Ingredients
To create your own Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips, divided
Equipment at a Glance
Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading the batter.
- Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Oven: Preheated to the right temperature for even baking.
How to Prepare Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using a spatula or mixer, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Add the room temperature egg to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the Reese’s peanut butter chips into the batter, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved peanut butter chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Seasonal Adaptations
Feeling creative? Here are some ideas to adapt your Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars for different seasons or occasions:
- Fall: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor.
- Winter: Mix in some crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
- Spring: Incorporate mini chocolate eggs for a fun Easter treat.
- Summer: Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for a refreshing crunch.
If You’re Curious
Curious about making these bars even more delicious? Here are some tips and tricks:
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate peanut butter chips.
- If you prefer a more decadent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving.
- These cookie bars can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Feel free to experiment with different nut butters, such as almond or cashew, for a unique twist.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw before enjoying!
- To maintain freshness, consider wrapping each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Q&A
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly for the right consistency.
What can I substitute for the Reese’s peanut butter chips?
If you can’t find Reese’s peanut butter chips, you can use regular chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that your Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! These bars are delicious on their own, but for an extra touch, serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family; they are sure to be a hit!
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of peanut butter goodness. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite of your Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars!
Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Cream until light and fluffy.
- Add the room temperature egg to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the Reese's peanut butter chips into the batter, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved peanut butter chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate peanut butter chips.
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgence.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
