Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bars

I think the name says it all! These bars are rich and delicious, and the top layer is egg-less cookie dough that is safe to eat without baking. What could be better? I was expecting the bottom of the bars to turn out like fudgey brownies, but instead the bottom layer resembled a flour-less chocolate cake (so delicious!!!). If you prefer, you could use a boxed brownie mix  to make the bottom layer, and then make the cookie dough layer from scratch. I also changed my original cookie dough recipe to include peanut butter and powdered sugar, which I think made the bars even better - if this was even possible! Have fun making these bars, and don't be afraid to make changes to the recipe and come up with your own creative versions. I just created a Sprinkle Charms Facebook page, so be sure to "Like" it and share the page with your friends!

BOTTOM LAYER:
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup butter
2 cups light brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour

COOKIE DOUGH TOP LAYER:
1 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 light brown sugar
3 tbsp. milk
1 1/2  tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Unsweetened baking chocolate for drizzle and middle layer.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Leave overhang so that you will be able to lift out the completed dessert when complete in order to cut into squares.

BOTTOM LAYER: Melt unsweetened chocolate in microwave. Microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Set aside to cool. Combine butter and brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Add cooled chocolate. Stir in flour, but do not over mix. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

COOKIE DOUGH:
Beat butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the milk and vanilla and beat until combined. Add flour and powdered sugar. Mix in chocolate chips.

Melt unsweetened chocolate and spread in a thin layer over cooled brownies. Use hand to distribute cookie dough over the chocolate layer and then press cookie dough down. Chill in the freezer for 2 hours. Remove from the freezer and lift out of the pan. Cut into squares with sharp knife.

Melt unsweetened chocolate and drizzle over the completed bars.

Adapted from Recipe Girl.

Enjoy!