Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s just something about Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that strikes the perfect balance between chewy, chocolatey bliss and that irresistible nutty goodness. These bars are the kind of treat you bake once and then crave again and again. Imagine melty chocolate chips nestled in a soft, buttery peanut butter base—pure joy in every bite! They’re comforting, easy to whip up, and always a huge hit whether you’re sharing at a gathering or sneaking a square for yourself.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is how simple yet purposeful each ingredient is. Every component plays a delicious role, whether it’s amping up flavor, guaranteeing a soft center, or delivering those glorious melty pockets of chocolate.

• Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a rich, tender texture and lets you control the cookie bars’ saltiness.
• Creamy peanut butter: Infuses the dough with maximum nutty flavor and a satisfyingly dense chew.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and an extra soft, moist crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds that classic sweetness and a little crispness around the edges.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and provides structure for that perfect cookie bar bite.
• Vanilla extract: Gives a homey warmth and layers the bars with irresistible aroma.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bars—gives them structure and creates that signature bar texture.
• Baking soda: Ensures a gentle lift while keeping the bars fudgy rather than cakey.
• Salt: Sharply defines all the flavors, especially balancing the sweetness.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Pools of melty chocolate for maximum decadence! Don’t forget a few extra for the top if you love dramatic puddles of chocolate.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by cranking your oven up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a quick grease. This tiny bit of prep work means you’ll avoid stuck-on bars and enjoy easy, picture-perfect removal later.

Step 2: Make Your Dough Base

In a large bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is nicely combined and smooth. You’re looking for a glossy mixture—fast, easy, and already smelling incredible!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated. This is where the dough starts to come together into that classic cookie feel with just a few quick stirs.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients In

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt over your wet mixture, then stir gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain so your bars stay soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold in those glorious semisweet chocolate chips until evenly scattered throughout the dough. If you’re feeling extra, stash a few aside to sprinkle over the top just before baking.

Step 6: Pan and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepped pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle on those reserved chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 20–24 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the center is just set—it’ll continue to firm up a little as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off with perfect, tidy slices. Use your parchment sling for easy lift-out, then slice into generous squares and rejoice in your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars masterpiece!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a burst of flavor, or swirl a touch of Nutella or extra peanut butter onto the still-warm bars for a decorative (and decadent) finish. If you want a bakery-inspired look, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips pressed into the surface after baking adds flair.

Side Dishes

These bars shine wonderfully on their own, but they’re also amazing with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a salted caramel drizzle. For a kids’ birthday party (or hey, an adult one), serve alongside fresh berries and fruit for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into mini bites for a party platter, or layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping dessert. You can even wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with pretty twine for a charming homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy—if anything, the flavors meld and intensify over the next couple of days!

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with a bit of parchment. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When a craving strikes, you’re just moments away from dessert heaven.

Reheating

If you love that gooey, just-baked feeling, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives the melty chocolate and warm peanut butter. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw at room temperature first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Natural peanut butter can sometimes make the bars a bit more crumbly and less sweet, but it does work. Just be sure to stir your peanut butter well and expect a slightly different texture—still delicious!

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife (wiping between cuts) for neat, bakery-worthy squares. If you’re impatient, popping the pan in the fridge speeds things up and makes slicing even easier.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to your baking time, but keep an eye out for those golden edges and set centers.

Are there any nut-free alternatives?

For a nut-free twist, swap the peanut butter with an allergy-friendly spread like sunflower seed butter. Double-check your chocolate chips as well to ensure they’re nut-free.

Can I mix in other add-ins?

You bet! Try tossing in chopped nuts, pretzel pieces, white chocolate chips, or even swirls of caramel. The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile for whatever your cravings inspire.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that delivers every time, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars never disappoint. I hope you’ll try these soon—they’re pure comfort and joy, and I promise they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

Print