Peanut Bar Cookies
Peanut Bar Cookies are a delightful treat combining a crunchy peanut butter crust with a sweet, nut-filled topping. Rich in peanut flavor and buttery goodness, they are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and are ideal for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together flour and brown sugar; cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter chips.
- Press mixture on the bottom of a greased 12 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla; stir in remaining peanut butter chips and chopped nuts.
- Spread the topping evenly over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 35 minutes at 350°F. Cool completely in the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of regular sugar. If you don't have peanut butter chips, you can substitute with butterscotch or chocolate chips. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges. These bars are great for potlucks or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut bar cookies are perfect as a dessert on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a delightful afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added richness, complementing the peanut flavor beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Bar Cookies contains roughly 246 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you use is suitable for baking and has a good texture for cookies.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, you can use a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar. Combine 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 1/4 cups of sugar, and heat gently until dissolved. This will replicate the sweetness and creaminess needed for the recipe.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your peanut bar cookies by adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut. Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about 2 cups to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).