Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Indulging in a rich, nutty dessert is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and these Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars take that experience to a whole new level. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy bar loaded with creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. It’s a delightful medley that satisfies all your cravings in one go. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to share or a cozy night in snack, these bars are sure to impress.

With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, these cookie bars are not just any dessert—they’re a peanut butter lover’s dream. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and Butterfingers creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into what sets this recipe apart and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars stand out for a few compelling reasons. First, the use of both creamy and crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture that enhances every bite. Second, the inclusion of chocolate chips and Butterfinger pieces creates a rich, decadent flavor profile that elevates a classic cookie bar to something truly extraordinary. Lastly, the bars are easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum satisfaction.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, use a no-stir brand)
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup chopped Butterfinger pieces
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key.
• Baking pan (9×13): The perfect size for these cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal and cleanup.
• Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly.

Method: Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and a perfectly gooey center.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Egg

Add the packed brown sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the bowl. Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, chopped Butterfinger pieces, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

• For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
• Use a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter if desired.
• If you prefer, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.

Insider Tips

• For the best texture, do not overmix the batter once you add the flour.
• Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and prevent excessive spreading.
• Feel free to swap the Butterfingers for your favorite chocolate bar or even add nuts for extra crunch.
• If you want a little more sweetness, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

Popular Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before measuring. The recipe works best with a creamy peanut butter that doesn’t require stirring for optimal texture.

What can I use instead of Butterfingers?

Feel free to substitute Butterfingers with any of your favorite chocolate bars, such as Snickers or Reese’s, or even some crushed graham crackers for a different twist.

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 in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

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Ready, Set, Cook

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create an irresistible batch of Triple Threat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these bars are a guaranteed hit. Happy baking!