If dessert means joy to you, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are nothing short of happiness in every bite. Imagine the luscious flavor of creamy peanut butter mingling perfectly with melting pockets of chocolate—all nestled into a thick, soft cookie bar. This recipe combines maximum comfort with minimal effort, serving as a sweet celebration any time you crave a treat. Whether you need a pick-me-up snack or a crowd-pleasing potluck dessert, you’ll fall in love with how quickly these bars disappear!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these bars plays a deliciously important role. Using a handful of pantry staples, each one brings flavor, richness, or that classic chewy-cookie texture—proving that a simple list can make a memorable dessert.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Lends richness and moisture while creating a soft crumb; if you only have salted butter, just reduce the extra salt slightly.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds unmistakable nutty flavor and extra tenderness to each bite; use a smooth, shelf-stable peanut butter for the best results.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides essential sweetness and that hint of crispness on top.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Contributes moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note that complements the peanut butter.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and helps form that iconic cookie-bar texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the warmth and complexity of all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure to the bars so they bake up perfectly thick without being dense.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lightly lifts the dough for just the right amount of softness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Scatters melty pools of chocolate throughout every square, ensuring each bite is utterly irresistible.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by turning your oven to 350°F—this preheating step is key for ensuring even baking. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit of paper hang over the edges so you can lift the finished bars out with ease. This trick also keeps sticking at bay and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer (or a strong arm and a wooden spoon!), beat the mixture until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy. This step ensures your bars bake up soft all the way through, infusing every bite with rich peanut butter flavor.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing just until everything is fully combined—don’t overmix at this stage, or you’ll lose some of that lovely tenderness in the baked bars.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick whisk not only blends the dry ingredients thoroughly but also helps give your cookie bars an even rise and delicate crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed (or by hand) just until everything is well combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky—this is exactly what you want for that classic cookie-bar texture!

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every square should boast a generous helping of those melt-in-your-mouth morsels, making these truly satisfying Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Pop it in the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. For extra-soft bars, remove them when the center still looks just a little underbaked—it’ll set as the bars cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the pan cool completely before attempting to lift out your bars using the parchment edges. This patience pays off, making slicing simple and clean. Once cooled, cut into 16 even squares and get ready to savor every bite!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle your warm cookie bars with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the sweet and salty flavors—this simple step makes every bite sing. For an extra-indulgent touch, you could drizzle melted chocolate or a swirl of warmed peanut butter over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an ultra-decadent dessert. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries also contrast beautifully with their rich flavor, making your dessert plate look and taste even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars into fun bite-sized cubes for party platters, or serve them as a base for outrageously good ice cream sundaes. Stack and wrap a few bars with ribbon for sweet edible gifts, or offer in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a bake sale that’s sure to sell out!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them properly helps preserve that perfect softness inside while keeping the edges just slightly chewy. If your kitchen tends to be warm, consider keeping them in the fridge for extra freshness.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then store in a zip-top freezer bag. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will retain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, so you can always have a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that straight-from-the-oven warmth, microwave individual bars on a low setting for about 10 to 15 seconds. If you’re reheating several at once, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Enjoy melty chocolate and gooey centers every time!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra nuttiness and little pieces of peanut for texture. Just make sure to use a shelf-stable variety so the dough holds together well.

How do I know when my Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are done baking?

Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Pull them a bit early if you like them extra soft and gooey!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a couple extra minutes to the baking time, so check for doneness with a toothpick.

What are the best mix-ins for these bars?

Feel free to get creative: add chopped nuts, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of Nutella for a delicious twist. The classic peanut butter and chocolate combo is always a hit, but don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Do I need a mixer for this recipe?

A hand mixer makes things simple, especially for creaming the butter and sugars, but you can absolutely make the entire recipe by hand with a sturdy spoon for a bit of a workout!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars soon—they’re easy, magnetic, and absolutely satisfying. Let your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering aromas, cut yourself a generous square, and get ready to fall in love at first bite!