If you adore the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe. It’s a fun and simple twist on your favorite peanut butter chocolate chip cookie that transforms those flavors into a delightful bark treat. Each bite offers a perfect blend of smooth milk chocolate, luscious peanut butter swirls, and crunchy cookie bits that make snacking utterly addictive. Whether you need a quick dessert, a crowd-pleasing party treat, or just a little sweet pick-me-up, this recipe hits every note with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the milk chocolate forms a silky base, the peanut butter adds creamy richness, and the chocolate chip cookies bring a satisfying crunch. The chocolate chunks further enhance texture and flavor contrast, making every piece a little bit extraordinary.
- 16 ounces good quality milk chocolate: Using quality chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy bark with rich cocoa flavor that melts perfectly.
- 4 ounces creamy peanut butter: Warming it until pourable helps create those beautiful peanut butter swirls throughout the bark.
- 3 Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chunk Cookies: Crumbled to add texture, these cookies give the bark a delightful chew and chocolate surge.
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chunks: Scatter these on top for extra pops of chocolate and a variance in bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper, which is essential for easy removal once the bark sets. The wax paper acts like magic, making sure none of that delicious bark sticks and breaking into perfect pieces is effortless.
Step 2: Spread the Melted Chocolate
Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the wax paper and gently spread it with a spatula or spoon to create a thin, even layer. This is your canvas, so smooth it out nicely so you get consistent thickness and texture in every bite.
Step 3: Swirl in the Peanut Butter
Next, pour the warmed peanut butter over the chocolate and use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the two together. These swirls will create those signature ribbons where peanut butter and chocolate meet, delivering a creamy mouthful in each bite.
Step 4: Add Cookie Crumbles and Chocolate Chunks
Sprinkle the crumbled Otis Spunkmeyer cookies evenly over the chocolate and lightly press them down so they stick. Then scatter the semisweet chocolate chunks on top and press them gently as well. This layering adds texture and bursts of flavor that will surprise and delight.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Pop the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about two hours until the bark is fully hardened. This step is key to get that satisfying snap when you break it into pieces — plus, it keeps all those beautiful swirls and chunks locked in place.
Step 6: Break and Store
Once completely set, carefully break the bark into fun-sized pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the bark fresh and perfectly firm until you’re ready to indulge or share.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take your presentation a step further, consider a light dusting of sea salt or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts as a garnish. Both add a nice contrast to the sweet flavors and a little extra crunch that complements the rich peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bark perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bark is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, especially slices of banana or apple, which highlight the peanut butter notes. It also makes a tremendous companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the bark pieces in a decorative jar or gift box with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, arrange the pieces on a tiered dessert stand alongside nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate-covered pretzels for a snack setup that invites everyone to nibble happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the chocolate from melting and keeps the texture perfect, so you enjoy the same satisfying crunch every time.
Freezing
You can freeze the bark for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it inside a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
This bark is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Warming up the bark could cause the chocolate to become too soft and lose its satisfying snap and crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can also work nicely and add a unique twist to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe. Just keep the consistency creamy and pourable for easy swirling.
What type of chocolate is best to use?
Using good quality milk chocolate is ideal because it melts smoothly and complements the peanut butter perfectly. However, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a richer, slightly less sweet flavor profile.
Do I have to use Otis Spunkmeyer cookies specifically?
You don’t have to—any sturdy chocolate chip cookie that crumbles well will do the job. The key is to have pieces that provide crunch and chocolate bursts without crumbling into powder.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and a vegan-friendly peanut butter, and make sure your cookies are vegan as well. The recipe is very adaptable without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long does the bark keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this bark stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a quick, easy, and utterly scrumptious way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe should be your new go-to. It’s loaded with flavor, texture, and nostalgic cheer in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming up all sorts of occasions to whip up this delightful treat again and again.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark is a decadent, no-bake treat combining smooth milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter swirls, and crunchy chocolate chunk cookies. Perfectly sweet and easy to prepare, it’s a delightful dessert that hardens into crispy bark pieces, ideal for sharing or indulging anytime.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 16 ounces (454 grams) good quality milk chocolate, melted
Peanut Butter Swirl
- 4 ounces (113 grams) creamy peanut butter, warmed until pourable
Toppings
- 3 Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chunk Cookies (340 grams), crumbled
- ¼ cup (43 grams) semisweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with wax paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier once the bark is set.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the prepared wax paper and use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly into a thin layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Swirls: Drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the spread chocolate and use a utensil to lightly swirl the two together, creating a marbled effect.
- Top with Cookies and Chocolate Chunks: Sprinkle the crumbled chocolate chunk cookies evenly over the chocolate mixture and gently press down to adhere. Repeat the process with the semisweet chocolate chunks to add texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Chill to Harden: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 2 hours until the bark is fully hardened and set.
- Serve and Store: Once hardened, break the bark into 12 pieces and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- If peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to swirl with chocolate.
- Allow the bark to chill completely to ensure clean breaks and solid texture.
- Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
- This recipe is great for gift-giving when packaged in decorative bags or boxes.
