These peanut butter cookie bars stack three layers: a buttery baked cookie base, a smooth peanut butter fudge layer and a chocolate topping. Only the base needs the oven, and the other layers just need spreading and chilling. Slice into squares once the chocolate has set.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Fudge Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled cookie base.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth cookie dough.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Chill for Best Results: Allow the layers to set properly before cutting into bars.
Now that you know how to make peanut butter fudge cookie bars, it’s time to get baking! With their rich flavours and irresistible layers, these bars are sure to become a household favourite. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the bars need to chill?
Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, until the chocolate topping has set, before slicing.
How do I get clean slices?
Line the 9×9-inch dish with parchment paper so you can lift the whole slab out, and let the chocolate harden fully before cutting.
How do I melt the chocolate topping?
Heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth.
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