Description
These Moose Tracks Cookie Bars combine buttery cookie dough, rich hot fudge, and plenty of peanut butter cups into one irresistible dessert. They’re chewy in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and packed with the classic flavors that make Moose Tracks ice cream so popular.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Softened butter
- Brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Peanut butter cups, chopped or mini
- Hot fudge sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Equipment
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides. This will make removing the bars much easier after baking.
- If parchment paper is unavailable, lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Place the softened butter into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the brown sugar.
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and fully combined.
- This process helps create the chewy texture that makes these bars so delicious.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Crack the eggs into the bowl.
- Add the vanilla extract.
- Mix until everything is completely incorporated and the mixture appears smooth.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk thoroughly so the ingredients distribute evenly.
- This helps ensure consistent texture throughout the finished bars.
- Form the Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
- Mix slowly until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Stop mixing once no dry flour remains visible.
- Fold in the Peanut Butter Cups
- Chop the peanut butter cups into small chunks if using full-sized candies.
- Add them to the dough.
- Using a spatula, gently fold them throughout the mixture until evenly distributed.
- Spread the Dough into the Pan
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.
- Spread it evenly across the entire surface using a spatula.
- Press gently into the corners so the thickness remains consistent throughout.
- Add the Fudge Swirls
- Warm the hot fudge sauce until it pours easily.
- Drizzle the fudge randomly across the surface of the cookie dough.
- Use a toothpick, skewer, or butter knife to create swirls throughout the dough.
- Leave visible ribbons of fudge for the best appearance and flavor.
- Bake Until Golden
- Place the pan into the oven.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
- The edges should become lightly golden while the center remains slightly soft.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
- Cool Before Cutting
- Remove the pan from the oven.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely inside the pan.
- Cooling helps the bars set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
- Transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into squares or rectangles of your preferred size.
- Serve with milk, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Mini peanut butter cups work just as well as chopped full-sized cups.
- Add chocolate chips, caramel pieces, or chopped pecans for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container.
- Slightly underbaking creates the softest and chewiest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts