The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the gooey sweetness of chocolate chips, baked into a perfect bar form that’s easy to share and hard to forget. These bars offer that perfect balance of chewy and soft textures with every bite, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. If you love the classic flavor pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and skill behind this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. These simple, classic components each play a big role in creating the rich flavor, chewy texture, and irresistible appearance of the bars.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty richness that is the star of this recipe.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and a tender crumb without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the slightly crisp edges of the bars.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel and helps keep the bars chewy.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the structure of the cookie bars.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight lift and softness to the bars.
- Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Peanut butter chips: Boost the peanut intensity with little pockets of creamy sugar.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add that classic chocolate hit that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper—it makes lifting out the bars after baking a breeze and keeps clean-up simple.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This ensures your raising agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the cookie bars for a consistent texture and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Butters
In a separate bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy base is key to achieving the rich, tender crumb of the bars.
Step 4: Sugar and Fluff
Gradually add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture—this step aerates the batter, which helps with the bars’ tenderness.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract—it’s the subtle magic ingredient that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. You want the ingredients just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy rather than dense.
Step 7: Fold in the Chips
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These add delightful bursts of melted peanutty and chocolatey goodness that make every bite exciting and indulgent.
Step 8: Press and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out to all edges for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes—look for golden edges and a toothpick coming out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs for perfect chewiness.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Then use the parchment paper to gently lift them out. Cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy the best peanut butter chocolate chip bars you’ve ever had!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate these bars into something extra special. Sprinkle some chopped peanuts for added crunch and a beautiful finish that highlights the peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookie bars alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect, comforting dessert experience. Fresh berries or a cup of coffee also complement the rich, nutty flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few bars on a pretty plate and tying them with a colorful ribbon for gifting. Or cut smaller bite-sized squares to create a delightful cookie bar platter for parties, making them easy for everyone to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft and chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm a few in a low oven at 300°F until they’re soft and melty again. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling every time!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to the bars, making for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie base nicely.
What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?
If peanut butter chips are not available, you can substitute with more peanut butter or chopped roasted peanuts. Both alternatives maintain that signature peanut flavor and satisfy your cravings.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip bars.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted near the center coming out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs. This means the bars are chewy and not overbaked into dryness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even a handful of toffee bits can be folded into the dough along with the chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the timeless combo of peanut butter and chocolate in a fuss-free, bar-style treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet homemade snack, these bars deliver on flavor, texture, and sheer joy. So grab your ingredients and give this wonderful recipe a try—once you do, it’ll be a staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips into a soft and chewy bar perfect for snacking or dessert. Baked in a single pan, they’re easy to prepare and deliver a delightful balance of sweet and salty with a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) peanut butter chips
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Butter and Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Sugars: Gradually add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the peanut butter and butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixes: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Chips: Carefully fold in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly to ensure uniform thickness for baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cut into 16 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal texture in the batter.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
- You can substitute peanut butter chips with white chocolate chips or more chocolate chips based on preference.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- To make the bars extra moist, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the wet ingredients if the dough feels too stiff.
