Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Indulgent and irresistible, these peanut butter cookie bars deliver a mouthwatering punch of classic comfort.

Packed with creamy peanut butter flavor, each square promises a delightful sweet treat that melts in your mouth.

The simple ingredients blend together effortlessly, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Crumbly yet soft, these bars offer the perfect balance of richness and texture.

Every bite brings a warm, homemade sensation that connects you to cherished memories.

The recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to share.

Prepare to be swept away by this decadent, nutty sensation that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Why You’ll Bake These Again

• Super simple recipe that lets you prepare delicious cookie bars in just a few easy steps, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving a fast sweet treat.
• Irresistible blend of rich chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that will make everyone from kids to adults happy and coming back for more.
• Ideal for multiple occasions like potlucks, family gatherings, weekend treats, or casual snacking, these bars adapt perfectly to any social setting without complicated preparation.
• Single pan baking technique means minimal cleanup, less dishes to wash, and a straightforward process that doesn't require special baking skills or complicated equipment.

Ingredients Needed for Cookie Bar Bliss

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie bars.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dessert.
• Butter: Contributes to the rich, tender texture of the bars.

• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.

• Peanut Butter Chips, Chocolate Chips: Add delightful bursts of flavor and extra sweetness throughout the bars.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie bars.

• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors.

Tools for Bar Baking Success

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect for creating delicious cookie bars with even thickness.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Large mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key to perfect bars.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for folding in chips and scraping bowl edges.
• Cooling rack: Optional, but helpful for cooling bars after baking.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting bars into clean, even squares.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 375F (190C).

Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, making sure the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sea salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Bases

In a separate bowl, combine softened butter and peanut butter.

Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 4: Build Sweet Foundation

Gradually add white and brown sugar to the butter mixture.

Beat continuously until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks almost like a soft cloud.

Step 5: Introduce Binding Elements

Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 7: Sprinkle Delicious Surprises

• Peanut butter chips
• Chocolate chips

Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 8: Smooth Into Position

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.

Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly, creating a smooth, uniform layer.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out.

Cut into squares using a sharp knife, creating perfect, delectable treats.

Pro Tips for Gooey Cookie Bars

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending with peanut butter.
• Reduce brown sugar by 2 tablespoons for less sweet bars or use natural peanut butter to balance overall sweetness.
• Don't overmix the dough; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to keep bars moist and tender.
• Replace peanut butter chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles.
• Use a light-colored baking pan to monitor golden edges and prevent overcooking, ensuring soft and chewy texture.

Cookie Bar Variations for Your Cravings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the rich, nutty flavor of the original recipe.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute white and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cookie bars deliciously satisfying.
• Nut-Free Option: Remove peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter, then swap peanut butter chips with white chocolate chips for those with nut allergies.

Serving Up Cookie Bars with a Twist

• Sweet Dessert Sidekick: Pair these warm cookie bars with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange bars on a decorative tray with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert spread.
• Decadent Ice Cream Partner: Top a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a mouthwatering contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Coffee Shop Style: Serve alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino to elevate the indulgent peanut butter and chocolate experience.

Keeping Cookie Bars Fresh for Snacking

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating.
• Warm bars at 300F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

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

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

Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should look slightly underbaked but will set as it cools.

• Can I freeze the cookie bar dough before baking?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade peanut butter cookie bars blend classic comfort with irresistible sweetness from creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these bars a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

Sugars:

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed

Flavor Enhancers and Chips:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups (255 g) peanut butter chips
• 1 1/2 cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gradually incorporate white and brown sugars, beating until the mixture becomes light and airy with a fluffy texture.
5. Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
7. Fold in peanut butter chips and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
8. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a nearly clean toothpick test, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into square portions.

Notes

• Swap out peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to make the recipe nut-free and allergy-friendly.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicious bars.
• Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-carb, diabetic-friendly version that still tastes amazing.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier bars with crisp edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg