Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

When you’re craving something decadently sweet with a nostalgic twist, nothing quite hits the spot like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Imagine thick, chewy cookie bars brimming with ribbons of melty chocolate and the nutty comfort of peanut butter, all in a treat that’s wildly easy to bake and even easier to love. These bars strike that perfect balance between gooey center and golden edges, making them a hit for bake sales, after-school snacks, or cozy nights in.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that simple pantry staples can easily become your go-to for whenever a sweet tooth emergency strikes. Every ingredient pulls its weight, whether it’s adding richness, moisture, or that classic cookie bar texture we adore.

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Offers a rich, buttery base and keeps the bars moist.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Infuses the cookie bars with a deep nutty flavor and dreamy texture.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds rich, caramel notes and helps achieve chewy bar perfection.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor.
• Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together for that thick, fudgy bite.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Layers in warmth and brings all the flavors together.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): Gives the bars their structure without weighing them down.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a light lift and prevents dense bars.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Sharpens flavors and tames sweetness.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate are the star of the show, contrasting beautifully with peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This little bit of prep makes sure your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lift out effortlessly and cuts down on cleanup!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture is silky smooth—this creates a gorgeously soft base for your cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract right into your peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined and the batter takes on a lighter, fluffier texture. This step helps give your bars that signature soft, chewy interior.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps, so every bite of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is just as delicious as the last.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl, stirring gently until just combined. The key here is not to overmix—you want the dough to come together smoothly without becoming tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Pour in those glorious semisweet chocolate chips and fold them gently through the dough. This way, each square will be dotted with melty chocolate goodness that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter in the bars.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If you love gooey bars, opt for the shorter bake time!

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this step guarantees clean, even slices without crumbling. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cut them into perfect squares. Now your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are ready for their grand debut.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to a whole new level, giving each bite a little sparkle and a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness. For extra flair, consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookie bars with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate homey treat. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or even a fresh fruit salad lends a burst of freshness to the rich bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by stacking the bars high for a stunning dessert platter, or tuck them into cute parchment packets for lunchbox treats. For parties, try serving mini bar bites on toothpicks, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two squares for an unforgettable handheld dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. If you want them to stay ultra-soft, toss in a slice of bread—the bars will soak up just enough moisture to keep them fresh.

Freezing

These bars are freezer-friendly, making them a great make-ahead option. Once fully cooled, wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars warm and extra gooey, just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings that just-baked magic right back to your plate, with all the chocolate chips melting perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds little peanut pieces throughout the bars, offering a nice crunch in every bite. Just keep in mind that it might make the mixture slightly thicker, but the end result will be just as tasty.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Unlike homemade cookies, there’s no need to chill this dough. Simply mix, spread, and bake—making these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a quick and easy treat for whenever cravings strike.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden top and edges pulling slightly away from the pan. A toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy center. For softer, gooier bars, bake at the lower end of the time range.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even a swirl of caramel can take your cookie bars up a notch. Just be sure not to overload the dough, as too many add-ins can alter the texture.

Are Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars gluten-free?

This base recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Double-check the labels on your other ingredients to ensure everything stays gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s a simple joy in sharing a plate of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with friends and family—they’re a crowd-pleaser that never fails to earn rave reviews. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a weeknight craving, I know you’ll love just how irresistible and simple this recipe is. Happy baking!

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