Cookie Butter Bars
There’s something wonderfully indulgent about the combination of cookie butter and rich chocolate. When it comes to desserts, it’s hard to find anything more satisfying than a freshly baked batch of Cookie Butter Bars. These delightful treats encapsulate the essence of cookie butter, bringing a creamy, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the texture of chewy oats and the sweetness of chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert to share with friends or a sweet treat to enjoy on your own, these Cookie Butter Bars are sure to become a favorite!
Why This Cookie Butter Bars Stands Out
What makes these Cookie Butter Bars truly special is their unique flavor profile and texture. The combination of cookie butter and milk chocolate creates a luxurious experience in every bite. The oats add a hearty chewiness that balances the sweetness, while the buttery base provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. These bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit your tastes. With every layer, you’ll find a delightful blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
What to Buy
To create these delectable Cookie Butter Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – 12 tablespoons, at room temperature
- Light brown sugar – 3/4 cup, firmly packed
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Old-fashioned oats – 1 cup (not steel cut or quick oats!)
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour – 1-1/4 cups
- Cookie butter – 1 cup (such as Biscoff spread)
- Milk chocolate chips – 1 cup (semi-sweet or dark can also be used)
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before you dive into the baking process, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls – A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for combining dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements of all ingredients.
- Baking pan – An 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square pan works best.
- Spatula – For spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!
Cookie Butter Bars, Made Easy
Baking these Cookie Butter Bars is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these easy steps to create your own batch:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease your baking pan with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour until well combined.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Cookie Butter
Gently fold in the cookie butter until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
Step 8: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the milk chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly mixed into the batter.
Step 9: Spread in Pan
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Quick Replacement Ideas
If you’re missing an ingredient or looking for alternatives, consider these quick replacements:
- Unsalted butter – Can be substituted with coconut oil or margarine.
- Light brown sugar – Can be replaced with granulated sugar or dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Cookie butter – Any nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, can work, though the flavor will differ.
- Milk chocolate chips – Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different twist.
Method to the Madness
Creating these Cookie Butter Bars is not just about following a recipe; it’s about enjoying the process and the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen. The method is simple:
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your pan. Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then add in your vanilla. Combine your dry ingredients separately and then mix them into the wet mixture. The cookie butter adds a unique flavor and texture that is hard to resist. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, spread the mixture into the pan, and let the magic happen in the oven. Once baked, the bars need to cool before cutting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat
To ensure your Cookie Butter Bars stay fresh and delicious, consider the following storage tips:
Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For a warm treat, simply pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that gooey, melty goodness all over again!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I freeze Cookie Butter Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned oats for the right texture. Quick oats can make the bars too mushy, while steel-cut oats will not yield the desired chewy consistency.
What can I serve with Cookie Butter Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more decadent treat.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake!
The Last Word
Cookie Butter Bars are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and rich flavors that everyone will love. They are incredibly easy to make and offer a delightful twist on traditional cookie recipes. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them at a gathering, these bars will undoubtedly impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of bliss with these Cookie Butter Bars!
Cookie Butter Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your baking pan with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, baking soda, salt, and flour until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cookie butter until evenly distributed.
- Fold in the milk chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate for longer storage, up to two weeks.
- Bars can be frozen for up to three months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
