Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
Serves 9
15 mins prep
20 mins cook
35 mins total
These thick and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars are loaded with chocolate chunks and peanut butter. No mixer, no fuss, just an easy dessert bar you can have in the oven in under 15 minutes.
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Preheat oven to [wprm-temperature value="350" unit="F"]. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and then lightly greasing with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
To a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan add the cold, cubed butter. Place on the stove over medium heat until half of the butter is melted and half is softened.
Pour the butter into a large bowl with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Using a whisk, cream the butter and sugar together (for 2 to 3 minutes) until it becomes lightened in color and the sugar has dissolved a bit.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
Add the dry ingredients and fold using a silicone spatula until almost all the flour has absorbed. Pour in ¾ of the chocolate chunks and continue folding until the chocolate chunks are distributed and the flour has absorbed.
The cookie dough will be slightly crumbly, but hold together when squeezed between your fingers.
Pour cookie dough into the prepared baking dish and press out in an even layer. Top with the remaining ¼ of chocolate chunks.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, the bars will continue baking once they're removed from the oven and overbaking will result it dry, cakey bars.
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Cut into 9, 12, or 16 squares, then serve or store.
These bars taste best the next day because they soften and build in peanut butter flavor. If possible, make the recipe a day before you plan on serving them.
