There is something truly magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and that magic comes alive beautifully in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, chewy bars bursting with rich peanut flavor and melty chocolate chips in every bite. This recipe captures that perfect balance, delivering a dessert that’s easy to whip up but feels special enough to share with friends or savor all by yourself. Whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or a crowd-pleasing treat, these cookie bars are exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these scrumptious bars. From the creamy peanut butter that brings that signature nutty richness to the soft brown sugar that adds moisture and depth, every element is essential.
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): Provides the rich, nutty flavor and moist base texture unique to these bars.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives sweetness and a subtle caramel touch that enhances the peanut butter.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic hint.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bars.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary body and chewiness without being too dense.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to give the bars a light lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s nutty notes.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): Melts throughout for little pockets of chocolatey delight in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, letting those perfect edges bake to a golden finish.
Step 2: Cream Your Butters and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to blend together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy base is the foundation of your bars, giving them that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Mix in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. These ingredients imbue the batter with richness and help create a soft, cohesive dough that bakes up perfectly every time.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bars tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold In the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter so they’re evenly distributed throughout. These little bursts of melty chocolate are the finishing touch that elevate this cookie bar from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. These indicators mean your bars have baked through while staying soft and chewy in the middle.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly, then use the parchment to lift them out or cut directly in the pan. Slice into 12 generous squares, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful peanut butter treats you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Take your presentation up a notch by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavors. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or peanut butter over each bar for an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a decadent dessert experience. If you prefer something lighter, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite milk for a cozy snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars with layers of fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries for a dessert that feels a little more fresh and fancy. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes them adorable, portable treats perfect for parties or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out, so they’re just as irresistible on day three as they were fresh from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe at a later date, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or refrigerated bars, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven until just warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate magic with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a pleasant texture to your cookie bars without compromising their moistness or flavor. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, with crunchy bits throughout.
Is it possible to substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results, as this helps maintain the structure of the bars.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk or semi-sweet?
Definitely! Dark chocolate chips bring a richer, slightly less sweet taste that pairs perfectly with peanut butter. Feel free to adjust the chocolate chip type based on your sweetness preference.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should look set but still soft. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep an eye starting at the 25-minute mark.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
For sure! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even shredded coconut can be folded in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and downright delicious about making this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe from scratch. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have bars that are irresistibly soft, nutty, and chocolatey in no time. I can’t wait for you to try these yourself because once you do, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite treats to bake and share!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips in a soft, chewy bar that’s perfect for dessert or snacking. Easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a tender, buttery texture.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Create Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and a consistent dough forms.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently mix in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then cut into 12 equal squares and serve for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute half of the peanut butter with almond butter.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the bars before baking to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
