Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars
If you’re a fan of indulgent treats that blend the flavors of cookie dough and chocolate, then you’re in for a real treat! These Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and oh-so-decadent. With a buttery cookie dough base, chunks of creamy peanut butter cups, and a crumbly topping, every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress.
The Upside of Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that has the rich flavor of cookie dough and the delightful surprise of peanut butter cups. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They make for a great dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or simply an after-dinner treat. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite candies, making them versatile for any sweet craving. Who wouldn’t want a dessert that combines cookie dough and candy in one scrumptious bite?
The Essentials
To make these Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch salt, optional and to taste
- 1 heaping cup mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or diced full-size cups; or substitute with another type of diced candy bar such as Snickers, Milky Way, Butterfinger, Heath, Rolos
- about ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, just slightly more than half of one standard 14-ounce can
Tools & Equipment Needed
To whip up these delicious bars, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the wet ingredients together.
- Spatula – To fold in the flour and candy.
- Baking dish (9×13 inches) – For baking the bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.
The Method for Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add Egg
Add in the large egg and whisk until fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Candy
Gently fold in the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or your chosen candy) into the cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chunks intact.
Step 7: Layer the Mixture
Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to form a base layer.
Step 8: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cookie dough base, spreading it out evenly.
Step 9: Crumble the Remaining Dough
Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the top of the sweetened condensed milk layer. Don’t worry about making it perfect; you want some gaps for the layers to show through.
Step 10: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
Seasonal Twists
If you’re looking to switch things up throughout the year, consider these fun variations:
- Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday twist.
- Incorporate pumpkin puree and spices for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of peanut butter cups for a different sweetness.
- Top with toasted coconut for a tropical vibe.
Don’t Do This
When making your Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars, avoid the following pitfalls:
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; this can make the bars tough.
- Avoid using cold butter; melted butter ensures a moist texture.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removing the bars much easier.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here are some tips:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Ask the Chef
Can I use other types of candy in these bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can substitute the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with any of your favorite candy bars like Snickers, Milky Way, Butterfinger, or Heath. The options are endless!
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of cream cheese and sugar or a homemade version using milk and sugar, but the original recipe provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To satisfy your chocolate cravings, you can add chocolate chips to the cookie dough, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking. The more chocolate, the merrier!
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love the idea of one-pan desserts, consider trying these recipes:
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details on how to create these Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars, there’s no reason to wait! Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful treat that combines the best of cookie dough and candy. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the large egg and whisk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into the cookie dough.
- Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cookie dough base, spreading it out evenly.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the sweetened condensed milk layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out and slicing.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
