If you’re craving a treat that brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the melty goodness of chocolate chip cookies, look no further than this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple yet sensationally delicious dessert that combines smooth melted milk chocolate, luscious peanut butter swirls, cookie crumbles, and chocolate chunks all in one irresistible bark. Whether you’re sneaking a piece for yourself or sharing it with friends, this recipe guarantees crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey bites that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe lies in its humble but perfectly chosen ingredients. Each component not only adds texture or taste but also brings vibrant color and mouthwatering richness to the final treat.
- Milk chocolate (16 ounces): Using good quality milk chocolate ensures a smooth, creamy base with just the right sweetness to complement peanut butter perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter (4 ounces): Warmed to a pourable consistency, this is the salty, nutty star that adds a luscious swirl and depth of flavor.
- Chocolate chunk cookies (3 cookies): Crumbled for delightful crunch and bursts of chocolate, these add a fun twist and texture contrast.
- Semisweet chocolate chunks (¼ cup): These scattered nuggets add intense chocolate bites and help elevate the bark’s overall richness.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper. This simple step is crucial because it prevents the bark from sticking to the pan, making it easy to lift and break into pieces later. A smooth surface also helps you spread the chocolate evenly.
Step 2: Spread the Melted Chocolate
Pour your melted milk chocolate onto the lined baking sheet. Using a spatula or back of a spoon, spread it out into a thin, even layer. The thinner the layer, the crispier your bark will be, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold the toppings without breaking too easily.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Swirl
Next, drizzle the warmed peanut butter over the chocolate layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate, creating beautiful marbled patterns. This not only makes your bark look stunning but ensures each bite has that perfect peanut butter flavor mingling with the chocolate.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cookies and Chocolate Chunks
Now for the fun part: scatter the crumbled chocolate chunk cookies all over the bark, gently pressing them down so they stick. Then sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chunks evenly across the surface. These crunchy additions provide textural surprises that make this bark addictive.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place your baking sheet into the refrigerator or freezer for about 2 hours. Patience is key here, as chilling allows the chocolate and peanut butter to harden completely, making the bark easy to snap into perfect pieces.
Step 6: Break and Store
Once fully hardened, lift the bark off the wax paper and break it into irregular, bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and you’re ready to enjoy this sweet, nutty marvel anytime.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe
Garnishes
Although the bark is delicious on its own, adding a light dusting of sea salt over the top before chilling can beautifully enhance the peanut butter’s nuttiness and bring a lovely balance to the sweet chocolate. Toasted peanut pieces or a drizzle of white chocolate can also add an extra touch of elegance when serving.
Side Dishes
This treat pairs fantastically with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate for a cozy indulgence. It also works well alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the cold creaminess contrasts with the crunchy bark for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, present your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. You could also layer broken pieces in decorative jars or boxes for a charming homemade gift. Cut into uniform squares or fun shapes with cookie cutters for themed gatherings to impress your guests visually as well as with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The best part about this bark is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining that perfect crispness and freshness without any extra fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this bark freezes beautifully. Simply pop the pieces into a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last up to three months without losing flavor or texture. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Because this is a no-bake treat, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer softer pieces, sitting the bark out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes will gently soften the chocolate and peanut butter to your liking without melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it’s important to warm it until pourable. Keep in mind natural versions are often oilier and less sweet, which might slightly change the bark’s texture and flavor.
What if I want to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute milk chocolate with a good quality dairy-free or vegan chocolate to keep it dairy-free. Just be sure to pick one that melts smoothly. Also, confirm the other ingredients like cookies are dairy-free.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely! Chopped peanuts, pretzel bits, or even dried fruits can add exciting flavors and textures. Customize the bark to your taste; just sprinkle them along with the cookies and chocolate chunks.
Is it okay to use store-bought cookies?
Definitely. Using store-bought chocolate chunk cookies saves time and offers consistent flavor and texture. Just make sure to crumble them finely to blend well in the bark.
How thin should I spread the chocolate layer?
A thickness of about ¼ inch works perfectly. Thinner layers create crispier bark, but too thin might cause breakage. If you prefer chunkier bark pieces, go slightly thicker to hold the toppings securely.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark Recipe is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser that’s both quick to make and loaded with comforting flavors. Its delightful combination of silky chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and crunchy cookie bits makes it a perfect snack or gift for any occasion. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite sweet treat in this magnificent bark!
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 combines creamy peanut butter swirled into melted milk chocolate, topped with crunchy cookie crumbles and semisweet chocolate chunks. Perfect as a sweet, no-bake treat that’s easy to make and great for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 16 ounces good quality milk chocolate (454 grams), melted
Peanut Butter Swirl
- 4 ounces creamy peanut butter (113 grams), warmed until pourable
Toppings
- 3 Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chunk Cookies (340 grams), crumbled
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chunks (43 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with wax paper to prevent the chocolate from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Spread the melted chocolate. Pour the melted milk chocolate onto the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly into a thin layer, creating the base for your bark.
- Add the peanut butter swirl. Pour the warmed, pourable peanut butter over the chocolate base. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate, creating an attractive marbled effect.
- Apply toppings. Sprinkle the crumbled Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chunk Cookies evenly over the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Lightly press the cookie pieces down to adhere. Then, do the same with the semisweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they stick well to the surface.
- Harden the bark. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 2 hours until the bark is fully hardened and firm.
- Break and store. Once hardened, break the bark into 12 pieces. Store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Use good quality chocolate for best flavor and smooth texture.
- Warming peanut butter makes it easier to swirl and combine with chocolate.
- You can substitute cookie types or add nuts for variety.
- Store the bark in the refrigerator to maintain firmness and prevent melting.
- This recipe requires no baking, making it quick and easy to prepare.
