If you are a fan of irresistible treats that combine the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine soft, chewy bars packed with creamy peanut butter and studded with melty chocolate chips, making every bite a perfectly balanced delight. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy homemade snack, these cookie bars bring together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are kitchen essentials that come together effortlessly, each adding its unique magic to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. From the creamy richness of peanut butter to the just-right sweetness of brown sugar, every item plays a key role in developing the amazing texture and flavor that makes these bars so memorable.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): The star ingredient that gives these bars their rich, nutty backbone and moist texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds buttery richness and helps create a tender crumb in the bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Infuses the bars with a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps them chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a sweet, aromatic warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder, giving the bars structure and a perfect soft consistency.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough that provides body and stability to the bars.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise ever so slightly, keeping them tender but not cakey.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): The ultimate indulgence, offering gooey bursts of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your baking dish is key here—line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease so your bars come out flawlessly and with ease after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend these together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy—this ensures your bars have that luscious, rich texture. Next, add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, making sure each is completely mixed in before adding the next. This step is all about building the perfect creamy and airy base.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, folding gently until everything is just combined. This careful mixing keeps your bars tender without overworking the batter.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part! Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly sprinkled throughout. These gems will melt into gooey pockets of chocolate, creating moments of pure bliss in every bite.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top as much as you can. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars chill in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time lets everything set so you can cut them into neat squares without any crumble chaos. Then, dive into that chewy, chocolate-studded peanut butter goodness!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. You can also top the bars with chopped peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars with layers of peanut butter cream or sandwiching them with marshmallow fluff for a fun twist. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper and tying with twine turns them into charming homemade gifts. Perfect for parties or just to brighten someone’s day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. This makes it super easy to grab a satisfying snack whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time or save some for later, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully and can last up to 3 months without losing their signature chewy texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen bars, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The warmth will revive the melt-in-your-mouth feel and bring those chocolate chips back to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture to the bars with little peanut bits, giving an extra nutty bite. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make them safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips for something else?
Yes! Feel free to swap chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture twist.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the bars are cooked through but still soft and chewy inside.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or use two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bars to prevent overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful blend of comfort and indulgence that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to snack for everything from afternoon pick-me-ups to party desserts. Give them a whirl—you won’t believe how simple ingredients turn into such an extraordinary treat!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with sweet, melty chocolate chips for a soft, chewy treat. Perfectly baked in one pan, they make a convenient dessert or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined without overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, maintaining the texture.
- Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 10 minutes. Then, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars!
Notes
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips work well – choose according to your sweetness preference.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the bars chewy and moist.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
