Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars

If you’re a fan of the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter, then these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars are your new best friend. Picture this: soft, chewy cookie bars with a luscious peanut butter filling and a melted peanut butter chip topping. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, making them a great treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing lunchboxes, or just craving a delicious snack, these bars will not disappoint. Let’s dive into the details and whip up a batch of these heavenly cookie bars!

Why It Works Every Time

The beauty of these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter creates a rich base that’s both flavorful and moist. The addition of sweetened condensed milk adds a delightful creaminess that binds the bars together while enhancing the peanut butter flavor. With a mix of peanut butter chips, this recipe guarantees a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness in every bite. Plus, using one bowl for mixing means fewer dishes to wash—who doesn’t love that?

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This acts as the base fat, giving the bars a rich, moist texture.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Provides sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
• Heaping 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, delivering that delicious peanut flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the bars.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors (optional and to taste).
• One 10-ounce bag peanut butter chips, divided: Adds bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout the bars.
• Half of one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Provides creaminess and helps bind the bars.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Mixing bowl: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend the ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: For folding in the peanut butter chips and transferring the mixture.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: The ideal size for baking these cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars from the pan.

Mastering Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars: How-To

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until well combined. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bars fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the peanut butter chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Base

Spread the cookie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Drizzle

While the cookie base is baking, melt the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 7: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Once the cookie base is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top. Then, pour half of the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the melted peanut butter layer.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sweetened condensed milk has set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy your Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars!

Ingredient Flex Options

• For a nut-free version, substitute the creamy peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Try adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.
• Swap out the peanut butter chips for butterscotch chips for a different twist.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

• Make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the egg when combined.
• These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for several days.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of nut butters or sweeteners to suit your taste.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

Once cooled, these Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter can add a delightful texture to the bars, making them even more interesting!

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute it with a mixture of heavy cream and a bit of sugar, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Keep Cooking

• Sally’s Baking Addiction for more delicious dessert recipes.
• Pinch of Yum for creative meal ideas.
• Minimalist Baker for simple and healthy recipes.

In Closing

Indulging in Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie Bars is like taking a bite out of nostalgia. They remind us of childhood favorites while being elegant enough to serve at any gathering. With a perfect blend of flavors and textures, these bars are bound to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of baked peanut butter goodness fill your home. Enjoy every delicious bite!