If you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully indulgent, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is here to satisfy every sweet tooth. These bars combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the melty pockets of chocolate chips, all baked into a soft, chewy treat that’s easy to slice and share. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe brings that classic cookie flavor into a convenient bar form that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and perfect texture is the foundation of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from adding richness to balancing sweetness and texture.
- Peanut butter: Use smooth or crunchy depending on your texture preference; it adds creamy richness and that unmistakable peanut flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and helps the bars stay tender and chewy without overpowering the peanut butter.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the overall texture by creating slight crispness at edges.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure while keeping the bars soft.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: The base that provides the body for the bars, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and stay tender by lightening the texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melty chocolate in every bite, the best complement to peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cookie bars come out cleanly and easily without sticking. This prep is key for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix these together until you have a smooth, creamy blend. This step is where the magic begins, as the sugars dissolve and the fats combine to create a luscious base for your bars.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter. The egg adds structure while the vanilla deepens the complexity of flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part: stirring in the chocolate chips. They melt slightly as the bars bake, creating delightful pockets of gooey chocolate that pair wonderfully with peanut butter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it gently to smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, so they firm up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider sprinkling flaky sea salt on top before baking or drizzling melted chocolate over cooled bars. A few chopped peanuts or even a dusting of powdered sugar can make these bars look as fantastic as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these bars into mini sandwiches by spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting between two pieces or cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert platter for parties. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes for charming, homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. If your kitchen is warm, moving them to the fridge can help preserve their texture longer.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds or heat them briefly in a preheated oven. The chocolate chips will melt deliciously, giving that just-baked feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely bit of texture to your cookie bars, making each bite a little more interesting while still maintaining that irresistible peanut flavor.
Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?
Yes, the combination of brown and granulated sugar balances moisture and texture. Brown sugar adds chewiness and depth of flavor, while granulated sugar helps with a slight crispness around the edges.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can, but it may change the texture and flavor slightly. Whole wheat flour tends to produce a denser bar with a nuttier taste, which can actually complement the peanut butter nicely, though it might not be quite as soft.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
With a few substitutions, yes! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The result is a tasty vegan variant of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye after the 20-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a surefire way to bring happiness to any kitchen and any occasion. Its perfect blend of flavors and easy preparation make it a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself. Don’t hesitate — get your ingredients ready and enjoy the magic of homemade bars that taste like a peanut butter and chocolate dream come true.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a deliciously rich and chewy treat combining creamy peanut butter with melty chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden brown in a simple 8×8-inch pan, these bars offer the comforting flavors of classic cookies with the ease of bar preparation. Ideal for dessert, snacks, or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture turns smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread dough in pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and press it down gently to create an even thickness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
