If you’re on the hunt for an utterly irresistible treat, look no further than this Nutter Butter Bars Recipe. These bars combine the nostalgic crunch of Nutter Butter cookies with rich layers of cookie dough and fudgy brownie batter, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving a homemade dessert to impress guests or just want to spoil yourself, this recipe offers a spectacularly simple way to whip up a show-stopping sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Nutter Butter Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the chewy cookie dough base to the iconic peanut butter cookies and luscious brownie topping, every component is essential.
- 16 oz chocolate chip cookie dough: This acts as the chewy, buttery base layer that holds all the goodness together.
- 18 Nutter Butter cookies: Their peanut butter punch brings classic flavor and crunch right into the middle of the bars.
- 18.3 oz fudge brownie mix: The brownie mix creates a fudgy, rich topping that perfectly contrasts with the crisp cookie layer.
- 2 eggs: Eggs bind the brownie mix ingredients, giving the final bars a dense, irresistible texture.
- â…” cup vegetable (or canola) oil: Adds moisture and richness to the brownie batter, ensuring a soft finish.
- 3 tablespoons water: Helps activate the brownie mix and keeps the batter smooth for easy spreading.
How to Make Nutter Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up, then spritz the parchment with nonstick spray. This prep ensures your bars bake evenly without sticking, setting you up for perfect slices later.
Step 2: Spread the Cookie Dough
Press the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Getting a uniform layer here is key because it forms the chewy base that holds all other layers together beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Nutter Butter Cookies
Next, arrange the Nutter Butter cookies in flat, even rows over the cookie dough. Lining them up like this creates that iconic peanut butter crunch right in the heart of every bar, making each bite wildly satisfying.
Step 4: Mix and Spread the Brownie Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour and spread this luscious batter evenly over the row of Nutter Butter cookies. This layer will bake into a fudgy, gooey topping that seals all the layers into one unforgettable bar.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Depending on your baking pan’s size and the brownie mix brand, baking time may vary. The center might stay a touch soft, which actually adds to that luxurious fudgy texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Cool Completely and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges and perfect squares that hold together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Nutter Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over warm bars to enhance their chocolate and peanut butter flavors. For a festive touch, drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate on top. Even a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms these bars into an indulgent dessert experience.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances their richness. A cup of strong coffee or creamy milk on the side elevates the enjoyment and rounds out the flavor profile splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Nutter Butter Bars Recipe on a charming wooden board or colorful platter for an inviting vibe. You can also cut bars into bite-sized squares for easy party-friendly finger food. Adding edible flowers or nuts around the edges adds visual drama that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated. This prevents the fudgy topping from becoming overly soft and keeps the cookie base delightfully chewy.
Freezing
Nutter Butter Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months, making them a convenient, ready-made indulgence whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked warmth. Microwaving is a quicker option, but watch closely to prevent melting the fudgy top too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate chip cookie dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s chilled for easier pressing into the baking pan.
Are there any substitutions for the fudge brownie mix?
If you prefer, you can use a homemade brownie batter recipe instead of a boxed mix for more control over ingredients and flavor. Just ensure the batter is spreadable enough to cover the cookies evenly.
What if I want a vegan version of this recipe?
You can swap the eggs with flax eggs or a similar vegan binder and use a vegan brownie mix and cookie dough. Choose plant-based oils and confirm all packaged items are dairy-free for a fully vegan treat.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips on top?
Definitely! Tossing in chopped peanuts or extra chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking adds extra texture and flavor bursts that complement the Nutter Butter cookies beautifully.
How thick should I press the cookie dough?
Press the cookie dough evenly and firmly so it forms a solid base about half an inch thick. This ensures the bars hold their shape and provide the perfect chewy contrast to the fudgy top layer.
Final Thoughts
If you love a fun, flavor-packed dessert that’s a feast of textures and childhood nostalgia, this Nutter Butter Bars Recipe is one to savor. It’s surprisingly simple to make and impressively delicious—a perfect treat to share or keep all to yourself. Give it a try, and get ready for your new favorite sweet obsession!
