Get ready to experience the ultimate dessert mashup that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese, the irresistible crunch of peanut butter cookies, and the smooth decadence of chocolate chips! These Peanut Butter Cookie Cream Cheese Candy Bars are not just a treat – they're a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for the recipe. Perfect for those moments when you want something extraordinary that's surprisingly easy to make, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed peanut butter cookies
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in texture.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed peanut butter cookies with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and can hold together when pressed.
- Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- Pour the peanut butter cream cheese mixture over the cookie crumb base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to help the bars set and develop a firmer texture.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 even squares using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Cookie Crumb Technique: When crushing the peanut butter cookies, aim for a consistent, fine texture that will create a sturdy base for your bars.
- Even Layer Distribution: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Cooling is Crucial: Don't rush the cooling process. The 1-hour room temperature cooling and 2-hour refrigeration are key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Sharp Knife Trick: For clean, precise cuts, wipe your knife between each slice and cut when the bars are completely chilled.
- Storage Tip: These bars are best enjoyed chilled and will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg
