Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares Recipe - USA
Introduction
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient and easy-to-make bar form. These squares are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or for sharing with friends and family.
History
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate has been a popular flavor pairing for decades, with recipes dating back to the early 20th century. The addition of chocolate chip cookies to this classic flavor combination adds a fun and tasty twist to the traditional peanut butter bar recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 tsp vanilla
- 18 oz (510 g) refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Remove the cookie dough from the wrapper.
- Using floured fingers, press half of the dough into the bottom of an ungreased square pan.
- Evenly spread the peanut butter mixture over the dough.
- Crumble and sprinkle the remaining half of the cookie dough over the peanut butter mixture.
- Carefully spread the dough as evenly as possible, then bake for 35 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
- Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature.
Variations
- Swap out the chocolate chip cookies for oatmeal cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the bars for an extra decadent touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to evenly spread the peanut butter mixture over the cookie dough to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Use floured fingers to press the cookie dough into the pan to prevent sticking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and satisfying dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Pressing the cookie dough into the pan with floured fingers helps prevent sticking and ensures an even layer.
- Crumbling and spreading the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter mixture adds a fun and textured element to the bars.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- Swap out the chocolate chip cookies for graham crackers for a different texture.
Make Ahead Tips
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and comforting snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy chilled.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 5 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares are a good source of iron and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains peanuts and dairy from the chocolate chip cookies.
Summary
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares are a delicious treat that is relatively high in calories and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient and easy-to-make bar form. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy these delicious squares in no time.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I always marveled at the way she could whip up delicious dishes with such ease.
One afternoon, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered index card with the words "Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares" scrawled across the top in faded ink. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe and where she had learned to make it.
She smiled warmly and began to recount the story of how she came to acquire the recipe. It was many years ago, she explained, when she was a young newlywed living in a small town in the Midwest. She had befriended a neighbor named Mrs. Jenkins, a sweet elderly woman who was known throughout the community for her delicious baked goods.
One day, Mrs. Jenkins had invited my grandmother over for tea and had served her a plate of the most delectable Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares my grandmother had ever tasted. She was so impressed by the dessert that she begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe.
Mrs. Jenkins had been more than happy to share her secret recipe with my grandmother, and together they spent the afternoon baking up a batch of the squares. My grandmother had been hooked ever since, and the recipe had become a family favorite ever since.
As my grandmother shared the story with me, I could see the twinkle in her eye as she reminisced about her time spent with Mrs. Jenkins. It was clear that the recipe held a special place in her heart, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.
With determination, I set out to recreate the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares using the recipe card I had found in my grandmother's old recipe box. The ingredients were simple – butter, sugar, eggs, flour, peanut butter, and of course, chocolate chips – but the process was a bit more complicated than I had anticipated.
I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different measurements and techniques until I finally nailed down the perfect combination of ingredients. The end result was a batch of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares that tasted just like the ones my grandmother used to make.
I proudly presented the squares to my grandmother, who took one bite and immediately declared them a success. She beamed with pride as she praised my efforts, and I knew that I had made her proud.
From that day on, the recipe for Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares became a staple in our family. I would make them for special occasions, holidays, or simply just because. Each time I baked a batch, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and the traditions she had passed down to me.
As the years went by, I continued to hone my baking skills and experiment with new recipes, but the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares remained a constant in my repertoire. They were a reminder of the bond I shared with my grandmother and the love that had been passed down through generations.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares for my own grandchildren, I can't help but reflect on the journey that brought me here. The recipe may have originated from Mrs. Jenkins, but it has become a part of my own family's story – a treasured tradition that will continue to be passed down for generations to come.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Peanut Butter Recipes | Snack Recipes |