Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars -

When you think about dessert bars, Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they deserve your attention. Combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, these bars offer a chewy texture that can easily become your new favorite treat. You might be surprised at how simple the recipe is, yet the results are undeniably satisfying. What's more, there are a few pro tips that can elevate your baking experience and guarantee perfect results every time. Curious about how to make these bars even better?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine peanut butter, chocolate, and peanuts for a delicious dessert inspired by the classic candy bar.
The recipe is easy to follow, featuring simple ingredients like peanut butter, sugars, and chocolate chips.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes for a chewy texture, allowing bars to cool for best results.
Optional toppings include melted chocolate drizzle or sea salt for enhanced flavor.
Enjoy these bars in moderation for a comforting treat with potential health benefits from peanut butter.

History

The history of Oh Henry! is quite a tasty tale! This delightful treat has roots that reach back to the early 20th century, when candy bars began to gain popularity in the United States. Oh Henry! made its debut in 1920, created by the Williamson Candy Company.

Picture it: a time when folks were just starting to enjoy the convenience of grabbing a sweet snack on the go. The bar was named after a mischievous character in a comic strip, and it quickly became a favorite for its unique combination of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts.

But wait, there's more! In the 1930s, the Oh Henry! brand was acquired by the famous Hershey Company, which helped it reach even more fans. Over time, the recipe evolved, but the spirit of that original bar remained.

Fast forward to today, and you'll see Oh Henry! still making waves in candy aisles everywhere. Plus, with the rise of homemade versions like the Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, you can enjoy that classic taste right in your kitchen! How cool is that?

Recipe

Indulging in the tasty goodness of Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars is a delightful experience that brings together the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a chewy, satisfying treat. These cookie bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying as a comforting dessert at home. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you'll be able to whip up a batch in no time, satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your guests.

To get started on creating these delicious cookie bars, gather your ingredients and prepare your kitchen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet sugars, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more.

Whether you choose to serve them warm or at room temperature, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped peanuts

To prepare Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, you'll need peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously rich and satisfying treat.

When making these cookie bars, remember that they may look slightly underbaked in the center when you first pull them out of the oven. This is perfectly normal, as they'll continue to set as they cool, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.

For added flavor and visual appeal, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling a bit of sea salt before serving.

In addition to being a delicious dessert, Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars offer some health benefits. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, providing sustained energy. The addition of chopped peanuts adds fiber and essential nutrients, while the chocolate chips can provide antioxidants, especially if you opt for dark chocolate.

Enjoy these bars as a treat that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also contributes some nutritional value!

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before diving into the deliciousness of Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, let's get your oven ready. Preheating your oven to 350°F is an essential step that guarantees your cookie bars bake evenly and come out just right. Picture the aroma of warm peanut butter wafting through your kitchen—it's like a cozy hug!

To preheat, simply turn your oven dial to 350°F. You'll want to give it a good 10-15 minutes to heat up properly. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference. While you wait, you can gather your ingredients and maybe even sneak a taste of that peanut butter—no judgment here!

Once your oven's nice and toasty, you're all set to bake those cookie bars to perfection. Just remember, the key to a great batch is patience. Don't rush the process! If you skip this step, you might end up with doughy bars that aren't quite right.

Step 2. Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly

To guarantee your Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, you need to mix those wet ingredients thoroughly. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and toss in the peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter.

Use a sturdy spatula or an electric mixer to blend them together until you achieve a creamy, dreamy consistency. Seriously, you want it to be smooth—no lumps allowed!

Once you've nailed that, it's time to crack in the two large eggs. Add the vanilla extract too—trust me, it'll make everything taste amazing.

Mix it all up until it's entirely combined. You don't want any eggy surprises lurking in your batter, right? Just picture the warm, gooey bars you're about to make!

When you're done, the mixture should be velvety and inviting, like a hug in dessert form.

This step is essential because it sets the foundation for your cookie bars. So take your time, enjoy the process, and maybe even sneak a little taste (I won't tell!).

Once you've got those wet ingredients mixed just right, you'll be ready to move on to the dry ingredients. Happy baking!

Step 3. Fold in Chocolate and Peanuts

Now it's time to fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, adding that extra burst of flavor and crunch to your Oh Henry! You're going to love this part—it's where all the magic happens.

Grab your spatula and gently mix in those delightful morsels. You want to make sure every spoonful of batter gets a little chocolate and peanut goodness, so don't rush it!

As you fold, envision how those gooey chocolate chips will melt into the warm bars and how the peanuts will bring that satisfying crunch. It's like a party in your mixing bowl!

Just be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that fluffy texture of the batter.

Once you've got everything nicely combined, you can already foresee how delicious these bars will taste. I mean, who doesn't love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter? It's a match made in dessert heaven!

So, take a moment to appreciate this step before you move on, because trust me, that chocolate-peanut goodness will make every bite of your bars unforgettable.

Ready to spread that batter? Let's keep this delicious journey going!

Step 4. Spread Batter in Pan

With the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts folded in, it's time to spread the batter in your greased baking pan.

Grab your spatula and scoop up that delicious mixture—trust me, the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water! As you plop the batter into the pan, you might want to take a moment to appreciate how all those flavors are coming together. This isn't just any cookie bar; it's a celebration of peanut butter goodness.

Now, gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. It might feel a bit sticky, but don't worry, that's just the peanut butter working its magic!

Make sure to get into the corners, so every bite is equally scrumptious. You can use the back of the spatula or even your hands (just make sure they're clean) to smooth it out.

Once you've got it all nice and level, take a step back and admire your handiwork. You're almost there! Just envision how these bars will taste once they're baked to perfection.

Trust me; you're going to love every chewy, chocolaty bite!

Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown

After spreading the batter evenly in the pan, it's time to pop it into the oven. You're only about 20 to 25 minutes away from peanut butter heaven! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and slide the pan in, feeling that rush of anticipation.

As the bars bake, your kitchen will fill with the warm, sweet aroma of peanut butter and chocolate, making your mouth water.

Keep an eye on them, though! You want to bake until they turn a lovely golden brown. They might look a bit underbaked in the center, but don't worry—this is entirely normal. Remember, they'll continue cooking as they cool, giving you that perfect soft and chewy texture we all love.

Grab a toothpick and do the classic poke test; it should come out clean, which means you're right on track!

Once they're baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into bars. Trust me, the wait will be worth it! You can even add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top if you're feeling fancy.

Enjoy every bite, and don't forget to share—if you can resist!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

To guarantee your Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars turn out amazing, here are some pro tips you won't want to miss.

First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This helps everything mix together smoothly, giving your bars that perfect, chewy texture.

When you're mixing the peanut butter and sugars, beat them until they're creamy—this is the key to a rich flavor!

Don't skip the step of folding in the chocolate chips and peanuts. It's like a surprise party for your taste buds! If you want an extra crunch, consider toasting the peanuts before adding them. Trust me, it takes the flavor up a notch!

Now, when it comes to baking, keep a close eye on the bars. If they look a bit underbaked in the center, that's okay. They'll firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft, dreamy bite.

Once they're out, let them cool entirely before cutting; this avoids a crumbly mess and gives you those beautiful bars you're aiming for!

Health Benefits

While indulging in Oh Henry! Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, you might be surprised to learn there are some health benefits tucked away in this sweet treat. First off, peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, which can keep you feeling full longer.

Additionally, the combination of ingredients can provide a delightful experience reminiscent of traditional comfort foods like a cozy beverage made with almond milk and spices. It's like giving your body a little high-five while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Plus, the fiber from the peanuts helps with digestion, so you're not just munching mindlessly.

And let's not forget about the joy factor! Enjoying a treat like this can boost your mood, releasing those feel-good endorphins. It's all about balance, right? You can satisfy your cravings while also enjoying some nutritional perks.

Just remember, moderation is key—too many cookie bars can lead to a sugar crash that'll have you napping instead of dancing!