If you’re searching for a perfect treat that combines the irresistible duo of peanut butter and chocolate, look no further than these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! Imagine the chewy richness of a soft-baked cookie, but in a bar form that’s thick, fudgy, and absolutely packed with melty chocolate chips. Peanut butter lends a deep, nutty flavor and a dreamy texture, making these bars impossible to stop at just one. Whether you need an easy dessert for a party, a lunchbox surprise, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.Â
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these beloved Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a unique role, working together to create the perfect balance of flavors and gooey, golden texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the bars a tender, buttery richness, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient provides nutty depth and helps create that chewy, classic cookie bar texture.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and a caramel-like sweetness, boosting the bars’ soft and chewy bite.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to hold those precious chocolate chips.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash wakes up all the flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bars, giving them just the right amount of heft and crumb.
- Baking powder: A little lift ensures the bars bake up thick and soft rather than dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter pop with flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Scattered throughout each bar, these melt into delicious rivers of chocolate with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your bars are ready to bake. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lining the pan makes for super easy cleanup and ensures you can lift the bars out for perfect slicing every time.
Step 2: Mix Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and peanut butter together until the mixture is completely smooth—a little patience here gives the bars their signature texture. Next, add the packed brown sugar and mix until it looks thick and glossy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is seamlessly combined and velvety.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures even distribution and keeps the bars from having any pockets of dry ingredients or too much lift in one spot.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until there are no more streaks of flour. The dough will be thick and sticky—perfect for holding those chocolate chips in place without sinking!
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure to get an even distribution. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s a great time to stir in 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts or switch to crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spoon the thick dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly to all the corners. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off by giving you clean, gorgeous slices that hold together. Once cooled, lift them out by the parchment and cut into 16 squares. Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are now ready to devour!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle the tops of your cooled bars with a pinch of flaky sea salt—this amplifies both the peanut butter and chocolate. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar is pure heaven.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for nostalgia, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert. Their soft, chewy texture also makes them a great companion to a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars into a mini tower and wrap them in parchment for a stunning bake sale look, or tuck individual bars into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat. For celebrations, cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters or arrange them in a circle on a platter, topped with candles for a birthday alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—though chances are, they’ll disappear much quicker! The texture stays soft and the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment, then seal in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before enjoying, and you’re always ready for a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop an individual bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back the gooey chocolate chips and makes the peanut butter scent waft through your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter or can I use crunchy?
Creamy peanut butter creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but using crunchy peanut butter or even adding 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts is a fun twist for extra crunch.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes due to the larger pan.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares?
For the cleanest slices, let your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between each cut for picture-perfect bars.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The bars may be slightly softer, but they’ll bake up beautifully.
Will dark chocolate chips work instead of semi-sweet?
Of course! Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bittersweet note that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter. Milk chocolate chips are also delicious if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t experienced the joy of baking Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at home, you’re in for a real treat. They bring together everything you love about cookies and brownies in one ultra-easy, shareable package. Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch—you’ll definitely make some very happy snacking memories!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips with these irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These soft and chewy bars are easy to make and even easier to devour!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and mix well. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the dough into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and cut: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra texture, mix in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
