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
Scale
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
