Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

I absolutely love this Nutter Butter Cookie Bars recipe because it hits all the right notes: rich peanut butter flavor, chewy blondie texture, and those little cookie surprises baked right in. Whenever I make these bars, my family goes crazy for them, especially when I serve them at casual get-togethers or weekend treat times. They’re indulgent but easy enough to whip up, making them a total win for busy days.

You’ll find that the balance of brown sugar sweetness and peanut butter creaminess makes these bars uniquely comforting. Plus, adding the iconic Nutter Butter cookies inside and on top isn’t just for show—they add a lovely crunch and that nostalgic peanut butter cookie taste everyone loves. Honestly, if you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly impressive, this Nutter Butter Cookie Bars recipe is your new best friend.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Nutter Butter Cookie Bars recipe work harmoniously to create that perfect peanut butter blondie flavor. I always look for natural peanut butter with some texture for extra character, and the brown sugar adds a lovely depth that’s hard to beat.

• Cooking spray: To make sure your bars lift out easily without sticking—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and that warm, caramel-like sweetness that compliments peanut butter so well.
• Unsalted butter: Melting it first helps it blend smoothly and keeps the bars tender.
• All-natural chunky peanut butter: I prefer chunky here because it adds extra texture and richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: A teaspoon really lifts the entire flavor profile—don’t skip it!
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter essence.
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter come together evenly for that perfect chewy texture.
• Baking powder: Gives your bars just the right lift without making them cakey.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure you’ll want to hold all those yummy mix-ins.
• Nutter Butter cookies: Both coarsely chopped for the batter and whole cookies for pressing on top—this is the star ingredient!
• Peanut butter chips: Adds bursts of melty peanut butter flavor throughout the bars.

Variations

I like to mix things up based on my mood or what’s in the pantry. This Nutter Butter Cookie Bars recipe is pretty forgiving, so go ahead and make it yours by experimenting with add-ins or tweaks.

• Using Creamy Peanut Butter: If you prefer a smoother texture, creamy peanut butter works perfectly—just know you’ll lose a little crunch.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Sometimes I swap half the peanut butter chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips for a peanut butter-chocolate combo that’s hard to resist.
• Nut-Free Version: You can try substituting sunflower seed butter if peanut allergies are a concern, and swap Nutter Butter cookies for a nut-free crispy cookie.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or roasted peanuts on top for more texture that my family adores.

How to Make Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then grab a 13″ x 9″ metal baking pan and spray it with cooking spray generously. I find lining it with parchment paper (letting the edges hang over two long sides) really helps when it’s time to lift out the bars—plus, give the parchment a quick spritz so the bars don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Your Sugars, Butter, and Peanut Butter

In a big bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the brown sugar, melted butter, chunky peanut butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until they’re combined nicely. This is when the kitchen starts smelling like peanutty heaven, so enjoy that moment!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Baking Powder

Add your eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This prevents scrambling and helps everything blend smoothly. Then toss in the baking powder and mix just until it’s combined thoroughly—don’t over-mix or you’ll risk tough bars.

Step 4: Fold in Flour, Cookies, and Chips

Using a flexible spatula, fold your flour into the batter gently until you still see just a few streaks of flour. Then fold in the coarsely chopped Nutter Butter cookies along with two-thirds of the peanut butter chips. This keeps the batter light and bubbly—exactly what you want for chewy bars.

Step 5: Spread Batter and Add Cookie Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Now for the fun part—twist the remaining whole Nutter Butter cookies apart, and press the separated halves, peanut-butter-ridged side up, gently into the top of the batter. Sprinkle the rest of the peanut butter chips over the surface for a visual and textural treat.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bars for 23 to 27 minutes until they turn light golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake—these bars are best when chewy and moist.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan completely. Then lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 15 square bars, serve, and watch them disappear fast!

How to Serve Nutter Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for those extra special occasions. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the peanut butter flavor—it’s my little secret for a gourmet twist that always impresses.

Side Dishes

These bars go beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgent dessert vibes. For a party, I sometimes pair them with fresh fruit skewers to lighten the richness and offer a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties, I like to cut these bars into heart shapes using cookie cutters and place them on a fun platter lined with colorful parchment paper. They also make fantastic bite-sized squares served skewered alongside mini Nutter Butter cookies for an adorable peanut butter bar display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, and they maintain their soft chewiness beautifully. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge in a sealed container works great too—just bring them back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. They hold up surprisingly well, which is perfect for prepping ahead of big events or freezing portions for later cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it briefly in a preheated oven at 325°F wrapped in foil. It revives that soft, melty texture that makes these bars so irresistible—just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Nutter Butter Cookie Bars recipe more times than I can count, and it always feels like a little celebration when I pull them from the oven. The way the peanut butter melds with the cookie pieces and soft blondie base just makes this dessert something I’m excited to share with friends and family again and again. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and a bit playful, give these bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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