Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s something undeniably irresistible about cookie bars, especially when they are filled with creamy peanut butter and studded with rich chocolate chips. These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures—soft and chewy, with a gooey center that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that brings together the best of both worlds: peanut butter and chocolate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not only delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Quick and easy to prepare—no chilling time required!
• Rich, decadent flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Perfect for sharing or enjoying as an afternoon treat.
• Made with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about indulging.

What We’re Using

To make these delightful bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 package peanut butter Nestle DelightFulls
• 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Cook’s Kit

Before we start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer – to easily cream the butter and sugar.
• 9×13 inch baking pan – to hold and shape your cookie bars.
• Spatula – for folding in the chocolate chips.
• Parchment paper – for easy removal and cleanup.

Make Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A Simple Method

Let’s get started on making these incredible Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This little trick makes serving the bars a breeze!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla bean paste for that lovely, aromatic flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bars soft and chewy.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Layer the Peanut Butter DelightFulls

Spread half of the cookie batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Next, take the peanut butter Nestle DelightFulls and place them in a single layer over the batter. Finally, spread the remaining cookie dough over the top, ensuring the peanut butter is fully covered.

Step 9: Bake!

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain that gooey texture!

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

In-Season Flavor Ideas

While these Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are fantastic as is, you can elevate the flavor profile by trying out some seasonal variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice.
• Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of dark for a sweeter twist.

If You’re Curious

You might be wondering why we chose to use a combination of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour. The white whole wheat flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and increases the nutritional value without compromising the texture. Dark brown sugar is another star player in this recipe; it adds depth and richness to the cookie bars, making them extra chewy and delicious.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

To keep your Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, consider these storage tips:

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of Nestle DelightFulls?

Yes! You can substitute regular peanut butter if you prefer, but the DelightFulls add a unique creamy filling that enhances the flavor and texture of the bars.

What can I use instead of white whole wheat flour?

If you don’t have white whole wheat flour on hand, you can use regular whole wheat flour or substitute it with more all-purpose flour, though this may slightly alter the texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

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Final Thoughts

Baking these Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is not just about creating a tasty treat; it’s about the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. The combination of warm, gooey peanut butter and melty chocolate chips is a match made in heaven. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or allow them to cool for a bit, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin—your taste buds will thank you!