These Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect chewy, sweet, and nutty treat! With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert everyone will love in no time. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and the crunch of Reese’s Pieces makes these bars irresistibly delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it also delivers a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. The use of yellow cake mix simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers. You’ll love the chewy texture and the way the chocolate chips and candy pieces melt in your mouth. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family!
Introduction:
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie bar filled with melty chocolate and crunchy peanut butter candy. These Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Bars are the answer to your dessert cravings! They combine the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the indulgence of chocolate chips and Reese’s Pieces, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or even a late-night treat, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Let’s dive into the details of making these delightful dessert bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick melted butter (½ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 small box Reese’s Pieces (about 1 cup)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until they form a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth batter will lead to a more even texture in your cookie bars.
Step 3:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the batter. Reserve the Reese’s Pieces for later; they will be added on top of the batter before baking. The chocolate chips will melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
Step 4:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Pour the batter into the pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Press down lightly to ensure an even layer.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the reserved Reese’s Pieces evenly over the top of the batter. This not only adds a beautiful color but also enhances the peanut butter flavor that pairs so well with chocolate.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
These Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
- If you want to mix things up, substitute half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different taste.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
These Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a chewy, easy-to-make dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that will satisfy your sweet cravings in no time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Questions and Answers:
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create unique variations of these cookie bars.
2. How should I store the leftover cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
3. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
4. What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.
5. How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Enjoy baking these delicious Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Bars and share them with your loved ones!