These no-bake chocolate peanut cookie bars are the perfect treat when you need a delicious dessert in a hurry. Ready in just a few minutes, this recipe requires no oven time and features a rich, indulgent combination of cookies, peanuts, cocoa, and milk, topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. With a crunchy texture from the crushed cookies and peanuts and a luscious chocolate coating, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a quick family treat or a casual gathering, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are so easy to prepare that you’ll find yourself making them twice a week!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Cookies (crushed): 500 g
• Peanuts (chopped): 120 g
• Sugar: 120 g
• Cocoa powder: 60 g
• Milk: 250 ml
• Butter: 150 g

For the Glaze:

• Milk chocolate: 80 g
• Dark chocolate: 80 g
• Vegetable oil: 20 ml

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

• Begin by crushing the cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or simply pulsing them in a food processor.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the chopped peanuts. Set aside.

2. Make the Chocolate Mixture

• In a medium saucepan, add 120 g of sugar, 60 g of cocoa powder, and 250 ml of milk. Whisk together to combine.
• Add the 150 g of butter to the mixture and place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy, around 5-7 minutes.

3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the crushed cookie and peanut mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be moist and slightly sticky but still hold its shape when pressed.
• Press the mixture into a square or rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper, using the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it firmly.

4. Prepare the Glaze

• Melt the milk and dark chocolate together. You can do this by placing the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth.
• Once the chocolate is melted, stir in 20 ml of vegetable oil to give the glaze a shiny, smooth consistency.

5. Apply the Glaze

• Pour the chocolate glaze over the cookie and peanut base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure full coverage.
• Place the dish in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate glaze has hardened.

6. Cut and Serve

• Once set, remove the dessert from the dish and cut it into bars or squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

• Mixing Options: You can add additional ingredients such as dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), shredded coconut, or chopped almonds to create your own variation of these bars.
• Cookie Options: Any kind of simple, crunchy cookie will work for this recipe. Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers are good options. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies.
• Chocolate Melting Tip: Be careful when melting the chocolate. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir regularly to prevent burning. If using a double boiler, ensure the water does not touch the bowl of chocolate.
• Storage: Keep these bars in the refrigerator for best results, especially in warm climates, as the chocolate glaze may soften at room temperature.

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This keeps them firm and prevents the chocolate glaze from melting.
• In the Freezer: You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 100 mg

These no-bake bars are high in both energy and flavor, making them an excellent treat for when you need a sweet indulgence. The peanuts add a nice boost of protein and healthy fats, while the chocolate provides rich, comforting flavor.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?
   • Yes, you can substitute the peanuts with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them roughly to keep the crunch.
2. What kind of cookies work best?
   • Any plain, crunchy cookies such as digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies will work well. Just make sure they are finely crushed.
3. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
   • To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
4. Can I add more flavor to the glaze?
   • Yes! You can add a pinch of sea salt, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the melted chocolate for extra flavor depth.
5. How long do they need to chill before serving?
   • Ideally, you should let the bars chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge to ensure the chocolate glaze sets properly.
6. Can I make this recipe with sugar substitutes?
   • Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content. However, make sure to adjust the quantity as these sweeteners can be more potent than regular sugar.