Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s something about the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and cream cheese that makes my heart skip a beat. When I discovered this recipe for Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure. These bars are a sweet symphony of flavors and textures, with a chewy peanut butter cookie base, a creamy and luscious filling, and a generous sprinkle of chocolate chips throughout. Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or simply a cozy night in, these cookie bars are bound to impress everyone.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is not just about indulgence; it’s about simplicity and satisfaction. Using a peanut butter cookie mix as the foundation means you can whip it up in no time. The cream cheese filling adds a delightful twist that elevates the entire dessert. Plus, who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? With each bite, you get a burst of peanut butter flavor, the richness of cream cheese, and the sweetness of chocolate. It’s a perfect balance that is hard to resist.

What We’re Using

For these Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 packets (7.2-ounce each) peanut butter cookie mix
• 3/4 cup Challenge butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 packages (8-ounce each) Challenge Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Ice cream for serving (optional)
• 1 package (8-ounce) mini peanut butter cups
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Setup & Equipment

Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the following equipment handy:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Electric mixer (optional, for the cream cheese filling)

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Cooking Guide

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 come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter cookie mix, melted Challenge butter, and eggs. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until everything is well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Step 3: Spread the Cookie Dough

Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, if desired. Press half of the peanut butter cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened Challenge Cream Cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until creamy and well combined. This filling is what makes these bars so special!

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread the cream cheese filling over the layer of cookie dough in the pan. Crumble the remaining peanut butter cookie dough over the top, covering the filling as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups on top for that extra indulgence.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a tooth

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Cream Cheese Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a heavenly treat! Chewy, creamy, and loaded with chocolate, they're simply irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Bars:

• 4 packets peanut butter cookie mix (7.2-ounce each)
• 3/4 cup Challenge butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 packages Challenge Cream Cheese (8-ounce each), softened
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Ice cream for serving (optional)
• 1 package mini peanut butter cups (8-ounce)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking Pan (9x13 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Method

 

Instructions

1. 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 come out perfectly golden.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Base - In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter cookie mix, melted Challenge butter, and eggs. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until everything is well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
3. Step 3: Spread the Cookie Dough - Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, if desired. Press half of the peanut butter cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
4. Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling - In another bowl, beat the softened Challenge Cream Cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing until creamy and well combined. This filling is what makes these bars so special!
5. Step 5: Assemble the Bars - Spread the cream cheese filling over the layer of cookie dough in the pan. Crumble the remaining peanut butter cookie dough over the top, covering the filling as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups on top for that extra indulgence.
6. Step 6: Bake - Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to add nuts for added texture and flavor.