Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you are in for a real treat with these Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into a gooey, rich bar packed with creamy peanut butter flavor and studded with melty Reese’s peanut butter chips. These bars are not only a delightful dessert but also perfect for snacking, sharing, or indulging on a cozy night in. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious bars ready in no time!
The Upside of Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are the definition of comfort food. The rich and nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with the sweet, chocolatey goodness of Reese’s peanut butter chips creates a treat that’s hard to resist. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a potluck, or a late-night binge-watch session. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip them up whenever that craving strikes. Plus, these bars are soft, chewy, and totally satisfying!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips, divided
Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
- Whisk or electric mixer – for creaming butter and sugars
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements
- Baking pan (9×9 inch) – for baking the bars
- Parchment paper – for easy removal of the bars
- Spatula – for spreading the batter evenly
Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cookie bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat them together until they are smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Sugars
Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Egg
Crack the room-temperature egg into the bowl and mix until well combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the Reese’s peanut butter chips into the batter. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for topping the bars.
Step 8: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Transfer the cookie batter to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 9: Top with More Chips
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips on top of the batter for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
Step 10: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
- Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a healthier option.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Ensure the Reese’s peanut butter chips are dairy-free or swap them out for dairy-free chocolate chips.
What I Learned Testing
- Letting the butter and egg come to room temperature makes a noticeable difference in the texture of the bars.
- Don’t skip the step of folding in the peanut butter chips; they melt beautifully and enhance the flavor.
- These bars can be slightly underbaked for a gooier texture, but be cautious not to leave them in too long!
- They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.
How to Store & Reheat
Store your Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that melty goodness.
Reader Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter! Just make sure it’s well-stirred and doesn’t contain added sugar or oils, as this can affect the texture and sweetness of the bars.
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you want to make these bars egg-free, you can use a flax egg as a substitute. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as peanuts or walnuts can add a great crunch and additional flavor. Just fold them in along with the peanut butter chips.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out clean, they may be overbaked.
Make It Tonight
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to indulge in these scrumptious Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. With their simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can have a delicious dessert ready in less than an hour! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Get ready to enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter paired with the sweet joy of chocolate in every bite. Happy baking!
Double Trouble Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in 3/4 cup of the Reese's peanut butter chips into the batter, reserving 1/4 cup for topping.
- Transfer the cookie batter to your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter chips on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Let the butter and egg come to room temperature for better texture.
- For a gooier texture, slightly underbake the bars.
- These bars taste even better the next day!
