I make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Sandwich Bars when I crave something soft, chewy, and irresistibly rich. They feature a buttery peanut butter cookie base layered with a smooth chocolate filling and topped with crumbles of more cookie dough. Every bite gives me the perfect balance of sweet peanut butter and creamy chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
I press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. I heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it becomes smooth and fully melted.
I pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the cookie base. Then I crumble the remaining dough over the top of the chocolate layer.
I bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden brown. Once baked, I allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
I prepare these bars in about 20 minutes, and they bake for 30 minutes. The total time comes to approximately 50 minutes.
This recipe makes 12 bars, and each serving contains about 420 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips when I want a richer flavor.
If I want extra texture, I stir chopped peanuts into the chocolate layer.
For a slightly different twist, I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter.
I also like adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top once the bars have cooled.
Storage/Reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week.
When I prefer a softer texture, I warm a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving.
I also freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. I thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
I can use natural peanut butter, but I make sure it is well stirred. I find that conventional creamy peanut butter gives a more consistent texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare them a day in advance. I let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container until serving.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I look for a lightly golden top. The center may still look slightly soft, but it firms up as the bars cool.
Can I double the recipe?
I can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. I keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed.
Can I add other mix-ins?
I sometimes add chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or even a layer of caramel for a more indulgent variation.
Conclusion
I find these Peanut Butter Chocolate Sandwich Bars to be the ultimate comfort dessert. The soft peanut butter cookie layers and creamy chocolate center create a treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whenever I make them, they quickly become a favorite with family and friends, and I always enjoy every rich, chewy bite.
📖 Recipe:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Sandwich Bars
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookie bars layered with a rich, creamy chocolate filling and topped with crumbled cookie dough for the ultimate sweet and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the cookie base.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the chocolate layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
Use well-stirred natural peanut butter if substituting, though creamy peanut butter provides best texture.
Swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for extra texture.
Sprinkle sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate on top after cooling for added flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
