Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, peanut buttery desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars blend the creamy punch of peanut butter with the nostalgic crunch and flavor of Nutter Butter cookies—you get that buttery, peanut-y goodness in every bite. They make an easy yet impressive treat when you want to whip up something comforting but a little different from your classic cookies or brownies.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how irresistibly good it turned out. Whether it’s for a weekend get-together, a bake sale, or a cozy night in with family, these cookie bars always hit the spot. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter chips and cookie pieces—just the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for seconds. I’m excited to walk you through making them yourself, so you can enjoy that same warm, homemade feeling right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create a beautifully balanced peanut butter blondie with bursts of cookie crunch that are utterly satisfying. I always recommend grabbing natural chunky peanut butter for that authentic texture and flavor—it really makes a difference!

• Cooking spray: Essential for greasing the pan to keep the bars from sticking, plus an extra parchment layer makes removal effortless.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps to create a tender base without overwhelming the peanut flavor.
• Chunky peanut butter: Using an all-natural, chunky version gives you nice peanut bits and real, nutty flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon amps up the depth of flavors without stealing the spotlight.
• Kosher salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances the peanuty notes beautifully.
• Large eggs: At room temperature, they bind everything tenderly and help the bars rise just right.
• Baking powder: Gives a slight lift so the bars are dense yet soft.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the batter, providing structure while keeping things chewy.
• Nutter Butter cookies: Both chopped and whole cookies add that classic peanut butter cookie taste and delightful crunch on top.
• Peanut butter chips: Divided into the batter and topping, they melt slightly and provide little pockets of creamy peanut butter joy.

Variations

I love how flexible the Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe is—there’s room to make it your own with small changes that keep it fresh. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or adjust for dietary preferences. Making it yours is part of the fun!

• Peanut Butter Swap: If you don’t have chunky, creamy peanut butter works too, just expect a smoother texture.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter and seed butter chips to keep it allergy-friendly—I’ve done this for friends, and it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Chocolate Lover’s Upgrade: Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for an extra indulgence.
• Salty-Sweet Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly on top before baking to heighten the flavors.

How to Make Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I always use a 13″ x 9″ metal baking pan because it gives the bars perfect thickness and bake time. Spray the pan lightly with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a couple of inches hanging over two long sides—that way, you’ll be able to lift the whole batch out easily when it’s cooled. Don’t forget to spray the parchment again for easy release.

Step 2: Beat the Sugar, Butter & Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, grab your handheld mixer and beat the packed brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt on medium-high speed until smooth and combined. This mix is where all the peanut butter magic begins, and getting it nice and creamy at this stage helps set the stage for tender bars.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Baking Powder

Now, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to keep the batter silky and cohesive. After your eggs are fully incorporated, sprinkle in the baking powder and give it one last beat until everything is well mixed. This keeps the bars from getting too dense while still making them rich and moist.

Step 4: Fold in Flour, Chopped Cookies & Chips

Switch to a flexible rubber spatula and gently fold the flour into your wet batter—stir just until you see a few streaks of flour remain. Overmixing here can make the bars tough, so I always remind myself that a little streakiness is fine. Next, gently fold in the chopped Nutter Butter cookies and two-thirds of the peanut butter chips to disperse those delightful pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Spread Batter and Top with Whole Cookies and Chips

Scrape your batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Here’s a fun part: take the remaining whole Nutter Butter cookies and twist them apart, then press the peanut-butter-side-up halves gently into the top of the batter. This adds amazing texture and visual appeal. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the peanut butter chips over the surface.

Step 6: Bake, Cool, and Cut

Bake your blondies for 23 to 27 minutes until they’re a lovely light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The timing can vary based on your oven, so start checking at 23 minutes to avoid overbaking. When done, let the bars cool in the pan completely. Then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board and slice into squares—about 15 pieces is perfect for sharing (or savoring all to yourself!).

How to Serve Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these bars because they’re already so rich. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate on top can really elevate them if you’re serving guests. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for an extra crunch and color contrast—always a hit!

Side Dishes

These bars pair perfectly with a classic glass of cold milk or creamy vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into an indulgent dessert. For a slightly lighter treat, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries, which refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these bars on a pretty platter, alternating whole cookie halves on top with dollops of whipped cream around the edges. They also look adorable cut into bite-sized squares, served on decorative sticks for easy party munching. You could even layer them with chocolate ganache and whipped peanut butter frosting for an irresistible peanut butter bar cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and that usually works well for me since they disappear quickly! They stay moist and flavorful, and you’ll notice the cookie crunch soften slightly, which some say makes them even more enjoyable.

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze uncut bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before slicing—freezing doesn’t impact their taste or texture much.

Reheating

If you love bars warm and gooey like I do, pop a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you want to refresh a whole batch, warming them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes does the trick without drying them out. You’ll find that gentle reheating awakens the peanut butter chips and softens the cookie pieces just perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe has truly become one of my go-to desserts because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and so forgiving to make. Whether you’re baking for your family’s after-dinner treat or bringing something to share, these bars feel special without being complicated. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do—trust me, once you try this combination of peanut butter bliss and cookie crunch, it’ll be a favorite fast.

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