Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a chewy, rich dessert that combines two classic flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—in one quick and simple recipe. With minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients, these bars are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, packing in lunchboxes, or serving at casual gatherings. Their soft texture and gooey chocolate chips make them an instant favorite.

ingredients

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
creamy peanut butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
eggs
semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Swap semi-sweet chips for milk, dark, or white chocolate.
Drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top after baking.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness up to 10 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not too oily for best results.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, bake in an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Are these bars very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet, balanced by the saltiness of the peanut butter.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, the dough can go straight into the oven.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, though butter provides the best flavor and texture.

Why are my bars dry?

Avoid overbaking and measure flour properly using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I add oats?

Yes, substitute up to 1/2 cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier bar.

Do these bars travel well?

Absolutely, they’re sturdy and perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet is classic, but any variety will work based on your taste.

Conclusion

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, blending creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate into a satisfying, chewy bite. With their ease of preparation and rich flavor, they’re a go-to treat for any occasion. Bake a batch, and you’ll see why these bars are loved by kids and adults alike.