If you’re searching for an effortlessly delicious dessert that combines two all-time classics, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new go-to. Imagine a rich, chewy cookie bar that packs all the comfort of creamy peanut butter with melty chocolate chips in every bite. This recipe is not only fast and simple, but it’s also practically foolproof. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these bars will absolutely steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are likely already waiting in your pantry, and each one plays a key role in transforming simple staples into irresistible, decadent treats. Every component contributes something special to the final dessert, from structure and flavor to that crave-worthy texture.

Unsalted butter (melted): Using melted butter ensures rich flavor and that picture-perfect chewy bite.
Creamy peanut butter: The main star, adding nutty depth and that signature comforting taste.
Light brown sugar (packed): This injects caramel notes and luscious moisture so your bars are never dry.
Egg: Just one brings everything together for the ultimate tender texture.
Vanilla extract: A dash of this lifts all the flavors, making every bar taste unforgettable.
Baking soda: This is what gives the bars a slight lift and prevents them from feeling too dense.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
All-purpose flour: The structure behind the bars; use just enough to keep them chewy, not cakey.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pockets of melted chocolate throughout every bite make these bars pure bliss.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra hanging over the sides. This little step means your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will lift out easily and look perfectly uniform when you slice them—no sticking, no crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and unified. Add the packed brown sugar next, mixing until everything looks glossy and well combined. Then, crack in your egg and add the vanilla extract, stirring until you have a smooth, cohesive base that already smells irresistible.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Don’t overmix here—stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks of flour. Overworking the batter can lead to tough bars, so keep it gentle for that soft, chewy texture that makes these bars so good.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Pour in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and fold them evenly into the dough. If you want extra chocolate pools on top of your bars, save a handful to sprinkle over right before baking. Each chocolate chunk adds oozing, dreamy goodness alongside the rich peanut butter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center is just set. Remember, slightly underbaking gives you softer, fudgier bars, while baking longer gives you more of a cookie-like texture. Let the pan cool fully before attempting to lift and slice—this patience pays off with perfect squares.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt while the bars are still warm for a gourmet touch that heightens both the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzling of melted peanut butter can also give your bars that extra “wow” factor, especially for celebrations or bake sales.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is the ultimate classic pairing, balancing the sweetness and richness of the bars. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside dark roasted coffee or scoop a bit of vanilla ice cream on the side—perfect for dessert platters or as an after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

You can stack the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars on a rustic dessert stand, serve them wrapped individually in parchment for party favors, or crumble them over ice cream sundaes. Try cutting them into mini bite-size squares for snack boards, or sandwich them with a layer of ice cream for incredible homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, place the bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy at room temperature for up to four days—a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks or packing in lunchboxes.

Freezing

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer or separate with parchment before sealing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving for optimum texture.

Reheating

If you enjoy a gooey, melty texture, simply warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings the chocolate back to its oozy glory and subtly softens the peanut butter core—absolutely delicious with a scoop of ice cream or a mug of hot chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your bars a little extra texture and nutty bite. Just be aware that it may affect the evenness of the dough, but that’s part of the charm if you love crunchy bits!

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling works great—simply use a 9×13-inch pan and expect the baking time to be slightly longer. Start checking at 25 minutes, and use the same visual cues for doneness.

Are these bars gluten free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well for any food sensitivities.

Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of extra peanut butter over the top before baking for added flair and flavor variation.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the center should look just set (not wobbly or overly wet). Slightly underbaking creates a gooier bar, while baking a bit longer makes them more cookie-like—both are delicious!

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the kind of crowd-pleasing treats you’ll turn to time and time again. They’re quick, gloriously simple, and deliver huge flavor in every bite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—the hardest part will be resisting a second (or third!) piece. Happy baking!