Description
Soft and chewy peanut butter sandwich bars loaded with chocolate and peanut butter chips. A perfect sweet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Stir in the chocolate and peanut butter chips: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Press the dough into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the bars: Bake 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 attached.
- Cool the bars: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt 1/2 cup peanut butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the cooled bars into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra touch of peanut butter goodness, you can drizzle melted peanut butter over the cooled bars.
- Use different types of chocolate chips: You can use any type of chocolate chips you like in these bars. White chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a combination of different types of chocolate chips would be delicious.
- Add nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different types of peanut butter: You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter for a more textured bar.
- Make them gluten-free: To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together.
- Store the bars: Store the peanut butter sandwich bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Be sure to check the bars frequently while they are baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they are done.
- Let them cool completely: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting them is important because they will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they will be crumbly and difficult to handle.
- For a softer bar: If you prefer a softer bar, you can reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- For a chewier bar: If you prefer a chewier bar, you can add a tablespoon of molasses to the dough.
- Experiment with toppings: Get creative with the toppings! You can sprinkle the bars with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes