Yeah, yeah. There’s been a lot of peanut butter in these here parts recently.
It’s hard to resist always baking your favorite thing. Like when my brother bakes, he chooses lemon-based desserts because that’s his favorite. And when my husband bakes…nope, just kidding. That never happens.
Have you noticed that cravings for sweet or salty foods are highly divided by gender? Now, don’t go crazy on me for gender stereotyping because I do know plenty of women who’d rather down a bag of chips than a Snickers bar. But in my informal studies of human behavior, I have noticed that women lean toward sugar far more often than men, particularly when it comes to chocolate. Which might explain why my husband doesn’t bake.
I was kind of shocked to learn recently that peanut butter-based desserts are considered a male craving out there in the void that is the Internet. Try it! Look up “dessert” and “manly,” and you’ll see peanut butter everywhere. And bacon.
Gotta tell you, I really resent that. Peanut butter and chocolate is the best taste combo ever, and I haven’t noticed that it’s a particularly male thing. That said, when I brought these cookie dough squares out in the world to share, a lot of men who never say much about my baking suddenly were full of praise.
Mind you, the women were equally vocal. Heck, even I was vocal. How could I not be? The base is peanut butter cookie dough filled with mini peanut butter cups, all topped off with a thick peanut butter chocolate fudge layer. I even had compliments coming in many days later. These things stick with you. In a good way!
It doesn’t matter what gender you identify with. These cookie dough squares are quite the bomb, and will disappear in seconds whenever you make them. Peanut butter lovers of the world, unite!
Fudge-Covered PB Cup Cookie Dough Squares
Ingredients
Dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups flour
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)
1/2 cup mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped in half
Fudge
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
14 oz. sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and vanilla and mix until combined. Beat in the flour and condensed milk until just incorporated. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
- Line an 8 x 8 square pan with foil, leaving enough to hang over the sides. Press the cookie dough into the pan evenly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the condensed milk, milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour the fudge mixture over the peanut butter cookie dough.
- Chill for 2 hours until firm.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into small squares. Store in an airtight container.
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/fudge-covered-pb-cup-cookie-dough-squares/
I could never get enough of peanut butter! And my husband never bakes either, though he does cook sometimes! These squares look delicious, Mir! Love that they’re fudge covered!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Chocolate Brownie Brittle Crème Brulee
Thanks, Gayle! I can never get enough PB either. But I’m sure there are many people out there who don’t agree!
I absolutely adore and cannot get enough PB! Love it all the time! These cookie dough squares are ticking all the boxes for me- totally craving a few squares right now Mir! Bookmarking to try- delicious recipe.
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext recently posted…Caprese Skillet-Baked Focaccia
Hope it turns out well, Jess! It ticks off all my boxes, too!
If I made these with coconut flour instead of regular flour, do you think it’d change the consistency a ton? I’m trying to make more gluten-free stuff (my insulin pump appreciates that consideration :-)).
The last time I did these GF, the dough was too sticky. I’d go with a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix. Just be aware that the taste might not be quite the same…
I could live on peanut butter. And cookie dough. These are fabulous!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Skinny Cheesecake Dip {low-Fat or low-Sugar options}
Me, too. The two essential food groups, Dorothy!
You can never have enough peanut butter! I can see why everyone loved these, they look incredible!
Danielle recently posted…Pizza Pinwheels
Thanks, Danielle! I have yet to get sick of PB!
Oh my goodness, those look fantastic! Peanut butter and chocolate is definitely the best combination ever, and I think my husband would agree on that!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Mexican Baked Pasta
Well, apparently men are big PB fans, so I guess he would, Stacey!
Mirrrrrr oh my GOD why do you do this to me?!?! I am absolutely salivating over these squares. Resolutions are never harder to keep than when I scroll through your blog 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Healthy Peppermint Crunch Truffles
Sorry, Medha! If it makes you feel any better, I have to live with it. On my counter. It’s not easy!
There is no such thing as too much peanut butter in my mind (although I am a big fan of cashew butter). I am not ashamed to admit that I just eat it out of the jar sometimes.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Crushed Mustard Potatoes and Leeks Topped with Poached Eggs by ATasteOfMadness
I do that too, Dannii! I love it straight out of the jar. Or in cookies. Or any way at all!
I’m always in for a peanut butter treat! Love these thick fudge covered bars! Need to try this recipe, my family will love them 🙂
Mira recently posted…Chocolate Chip Banana Blueberry Muffins
I hope they do, Mira! They’re kind of hard to stop eating once you’re on a roll.
peanut butter and chocolate are always a great combination! great recipe, Mir!
Yes, they are, Savita!
This looks SOOOO good. I want them now!
Thanks, Melissa! They went way too fast…
Oh my gosh these are awesome Mir!! I’ll take them off your hands if you need me too 🙂
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted…Frosted Chocolate Nut Cookie Bars
I wish I had any left to offer, Aimee!
Peanut butter. Cookie dough. Fudge. Yup, you just combined three of my favorites in a knock out treat!!! These look and sound absolutely amazing!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted…Apple Milky Way Cupcakes
Thanks, Jocelyn! It’s my favorite, too!
These look yummy! Pinning.
Thanks for the pin!