The Ultimate Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: An Irresistible Treat
You simply can’t go wrong with the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips. But when you elevate these beloved flavors by incorporating whole wheat flour, adding delightful mini peanut butter cups, and baking them into easy-to-serve bars, you create something truly unforgettable. These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of comfort, simplicity, and pure deliciousness that will quickly become a household favorite.
Lately, I’ve found myself wrestling with an intense craving for cookies. It feels like every day presents a new, compelling reason (or a cleverly concocted excuse!) to bake a fresh batch. Did I get all my tasks done ahead of schedule? Time for cookies! Did I push myself with a good workout? Definitely earned some cookies! Is it just the middle of the week? Well, that’s reason enough for cookies!
Eventually, the cravings won, as they usually do when it comes to homemade baked goods. That’s when these glorious cookie bars came to life. They perfectly capture everything wonderful about a freshly baked cookie, but in a convenient, shareable bar format that makes them even more tempting.
The Inspiration Behind These Perfect Cookie Bars
This particular recipe is a harmonious fusion of two of my most cherished baking creations: my classic peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and my beloved whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars. I had a strong feeling that combining these two favorites would yield something truly spectacular, and I was absolutely right. These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turned out to be nothing short of fabulous. They didn’t just satisfy my cookie craving; they exceeded all expectations, offering a depth of flavor and a delightful texture that left me wanting more.
Why Whole Wheat Flour is a Game Changer (Beyond Just Health)
The idea of adding whole wheat flour to a cookie recipe might, at first glance, seem like an attempt to make them inherently “healthier.” While whole wheat flour does offer nutritional benefits like increased fiber, that’s not the primary reason I choose to incorporate it into my cookie and bar recipes. My true motivation lies in the subtle yet distinct change in flavor and texture it brings to baked goods. Whole wheat flour introduces a wonderfully nutty, earthy note that complements the richness of peanut butter and chocolate beautifully. It also contributes to a chewier, more substantial texture that makes these bars incredibly satisfying.
Using whole wheat flour doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence; it means enhancing it. It adds a layer of complexity that elevates these cookie bars from a simple sweet treat to a more sophisticated, comforting dessert. Plus, knowing you’re getting a little extra goodness in every bite is a delightful bonus!
The Irresistible Duo: Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Few pairings are as universally adored as peanut butter and chocolate. The creamy, savory richness of peanut butter perfectly balances the sweet intensity of chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that appeals to nearly everyone. In these bars, we take this classic combination to the next level by incorporating both semi-sweet chocolate chips and miniature peanut butter cups. The chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, while the mini peanut butter cups add an extra burst of peanut butter flavor and a delightful textural surprise with every bite. This makes each square of these Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars an exciting adventure for your taste buds.
These bars are more than just a quick snack; they are a delightful, easy-to-make indulgence. They represent the perfect spur-of-the-moment baking project, ready to be whipped up whenever that inevitable cookie craving strikes. Whether you’re preparing for an impromptu get-together, need a comforting treat after a long day, or simply desire something sweet to brighten your afternoon, these bars are the answer. Their straightforward preparation means you can enjoy them without any fuss, making them ideal for busy schedules or beginner bakers.
baking tip:How to Bake Thicker, More Substantial Bars and Brownies
Achieving thick, tall, and satisfying bars or brownies is surprisingly simple! The key lies in choosing the right baking pan size. If a recipe typically calls for a 9×13-inch pan, you can often achieve a noticeably thicker result by baking it in a smaller 9-inch square pan instead. Similarly, for recipes designed for a 9-inch square pan, an 8-inch square pan will give you an even more substantial treat. While there might be occasional exceptions, this general rule holds true for most bar and brownie recipes.
The most important adjustment you’ll need to make when using a smaller pan is to the baking time. Thicker bars will naturally require a longer baking period to ensure they are cooked through evenly without being dry. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the suggested baking time, and use a toothpick test to check for doneness. No other major changes to the ingredient ratios or preparation steps should be necessary, making this a simple trick to upgrade your baked goods!
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
- ¾ cup peanut butter , smooth or crunchy (225 grams)
- 1 ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (225 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (283 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (200 grams)
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups , see Note (200 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or generously grease with nonstick spray.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Gradually mix in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg thoroughly before adding the next. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract until just combined.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. With the stand mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini peanut butter cups until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Cooling completely ensures they set properly and are easier to cut into neat squares.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a homogeneous batter that bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing flour can develop gluten too much, leading to tough bars instead of tender ones.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, makes removing the cooled bars incredibly easy. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cool Completely: Patience is key! These bars need to cool down completely before slicing. Cutting them while warm will result in crumbly, messy pieces. A completely cooled bar will hold its shape beautifully.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage!
Serving Suggestions & Customization Ideas
These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more or customize them to your liking:
- Warm with Ice Cream: Heat a bar gently in the microwave for a few seconds and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate fudge or caramel sauce can take these bars to another level of deliciousness.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding a ½ cup of chopped peanuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups.
- Different Chocolates: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would be delicious.
- Sprinkles: Add some festive sprinkles to the top of the dough before baking for a fun, colorful touch, especially for celebrations.
Whether you’re battling your own cookie cravings or simply looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are guaranteed to hit the spot. They combine wholesome ingredients with classic flavors to create a treat that’s both comforting and exciting. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of pure joy!