The Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Baking these delectable peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every delightful bite.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, tempting everyone nearby.

Minimal ingredients combine quickly for an irresistible treat that satisfies major dessert cravings.

Crisp edges and gooey centers create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Whipping up this simple recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish.

Reasons to Enjoy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Savor Crowd-Pleasing Delights: These cookie bars deliver a guaranteed win for gatherings, potlucks, and family dessert times with their irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips.
• Craft Quick Dessert Magic: Prepare these bars with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Sweet Adventure: Easily swap chocolate chips for different mix-ins like butterscotch, white chocolate, or nuts to create personalized variations that match your taste preferences.
• Indulge in Convenient Comfort: No need for individual cookie scooping or multiple baking batches – this recipe provides a single pan of delectable bars that can be cut and served quickly for instant dessert satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to the cookie bars.
• Peanut Butter: Provides a deep nutty taste and smooth texture to the dessert.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, tender structure of the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie bars and provides structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds bursts of rich chocolate throughout the cookie bars, creating delightful pockets of sweetness.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and peanut butter. Whisk these together until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that looks perfectly blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Sweet Elements

Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter mixture. Blend thoroughly until the sugars are completely integrated, creating a rich, caramel-like consistency.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack eggs into the mixture and pour in vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes completely smooth and slightly lighter in color.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 6: Introduce Chocolate Goodness

Carefully fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Spread and Smooth

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners and creates a level surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that’s just set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares, revealing the gooey chocolate and rich peanut butter layers. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to create allergy-friendly versions that everyone can enjoy.
• Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed batter that guarantees perfect texture.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile or mix in different types of chocolate for added complexity and depth.
• Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes for gooier, softer bars or extend by 2-3 minutes for crispier edges and more firm texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Nutty Swirl Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Edition: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a decadent upgrade.
• Oatmeal Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup rolled oats to add texture and wholesome goodness to the cookie bars.
• Sea Salt Chocolate: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Suggested Pairings for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Pair with Cold Milk Splash: Creamy whole milk cuts through the rich, sweet bar and cleanses the palate with its smooth, refreshing taste.
• Complement with Espresso Shot: Strong, bold espresso balances the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the nutty peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious texture and cooling sensation that perfectly complements the warm, chewy cookie bar.
• Serve with Caramel Drizzle: Silky caramel sauce adds a golden, buttery layer that elevates the dessert's complexity and brings out deeper, more indulgent notes.

Storage Guidelines for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping bars between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep in sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let thaw naturally at room temperature for soft, chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use either natural or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s well-mixed before adding to the recipe.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture and consistency.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce sugar by 1/4 cup, but it might slightly affect the texture and spread of the cookie bars.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars meld classic comfort with irresistible sweetness. Gooey chocolate and rich peanut butter create a perfect dessert that satisfies cravings and brings pure deliciousness to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create a smooth base by melting butter and blending thoroughly with peanut butter until uniform in consistency.
3. Incorporate brown and granulated sugars into the butter-peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully integrated and slightly fluffy.
4. Introduce eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously to create a cohesive and glossy liquid mixture.
5. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
6. Distribute chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter, ensuring consistent chip placement for maximum flavor in each bite.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread uniformly and create an even surface for consistent baking.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Allow bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps set the texture and makes cutting easier and cleaner.
10. Slice into square portions, revealing a rich, decadent treat perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

Notes

• Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Use creamy peanut butter for a more consistent and softer bar, avoiding natural or crunchy varieties.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend to maintain the same delicious taste and texture.
• Chill the bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise square shapes without crumbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 241 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg