If you adore the classic combo of rich peanut butter and melty chocolate chips, you are in for a treat with this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars strike the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp edges, delivering comfort in every bite. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but the fusion of peanut butter and chocolate chip goodness makes them an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to dessert for sharing with family or enjoying as a sweet solo indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor for your bars. From the creamy peanut butter to the sweet chocolate chips, every element contributes to the magic of this recipe.
- Peanut butter (1 cup): Use creamy or chunky for added texture and rich, nutty flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the bars.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Provides caramel notes and moistness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the bars.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The backbone that holds everything together with the right chewiness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures just enough rise and softness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup): Choose milk or semi-sweet for melty, sweet pockets of chocolate.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked bars.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to blend peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This combination creates the rich base of your bars. Next, add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to make sure the batter is fully combined and silky.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures your bars will have the perfect structure and taste. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined so your bars come out tender and not overworked.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly. This step guarantees every bite has a delightful burst of chocolate without overwhelming the peanut butter flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma while baking will be irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps them set and makes cutting clean squares easier. Slice into 12 bars and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the bars right after baking to amplify the peanut butter and chocolate notes. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate on top for visual appeal and added flavor depth.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these bars on a festive platter with nuts and chocolate chunks scattered around to make an inviting centerpiece. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine is perfect for gifting or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed maintains their soft and chewy texture while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars to enjoy later by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, microwave a bar for about 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven for 5 minutes. The chocolate will soften beautifully, reviving that delightful gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice bit of texture to the bars, making each bite even more interesting without changing the overall flavor.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, just be mindful of potential texture changes.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of mix-in?
Definitely! Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, butterscotch, or even chopped nuts to customize the bars to your liking.
What if I prefer less sweet bars?
Reducing the brown sugar slightly can help, but remember that sugar also affects texture and moisture. You might want to experiment with small adjustments to find your perfect balance.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute, flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips. This way, everyone can enjoy the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe!
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a keeper—simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet night in, these bars will bring smiles and satisfy those sweet cravings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add your own special touch!
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 the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a soft, chewy bar form. Perfect for dessert or a satisfying snack, these bars are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and require just one pan.
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 oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring or mixing until fully combined and a dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Spread dough and bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then cut into 12 equal squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your texture preference.
- For a richer flavor, try substituting some of the brown sugar with white sugar.
- Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips both work well; dark chocolate can be used for a less sweet option.
- Ensure not to overbake the bars to maintain a soft center.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
