Buckeye Cookie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic Buckeye candy, combining rich layers of peanut butter and chocolate in a bar form. These bars are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and offer a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. - Make the cookie base:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. - Combine the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined. - Bake the base:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cookie base to cool completely. - Prepare the peanut butter layer:
Once the cookie base is cool, spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the top. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the peanut butter layer to firm up. - Make the chocolate ganache:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat. - Top with chocolate:
Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly using a spatula. Place the pan back in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set for at least 30 minutes. - Slice and serve:
Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the bars from the fridge and cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy these rich and decadent Buckeye Cookie Bars as a sweet treat for any occasion.