Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are as much of a fan of rich, comforting treats as I am, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine chewy bars packed with luscious peanut butter, perfectly balanced with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips throughout. These bars combine that nostalgic cookie flavor with the convenience of a bar, making them ideal for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a bite (or two) whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes for indulgence and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars just right is all about using familiar, quality ingredients that blend harmoniously. Each one serves a special purpose to create that ideal soft yet chewy texture, with a flavor punch from peanut butter and chocolate.

• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): This brings a silky, nutty richness that’s the backbone of the bars.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a tender crumb without overpowering the flavors.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the chewy texture.
• Light brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Contributes moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for depth.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure that holds these bars together perfectly.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift for a soft bite without being cakey.
• Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the nutty and chocolate goodness.
• Peanut butter chips (1 1/2 cups): Little bursts of peanut butter flavor and creamy texture in every bite.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Classic chocolaty richness that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, which will make removing the bars a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Setting these aside now keeps everything organized and ready to combine smoothly later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a separate bowl, blend the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This step is the secret to ensuring your bars have that amazing rich and tender texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugars

Gradually add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture, whipping it all together until light and fluffy. This helps to introduce air, so your bars stay delightfully soft yet chewy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract—this little addition brings out all the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic warmth.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now gently fold in your dry ingredient mixture with the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing here can make your bars tough, so proceed with a light hand for the best texture.

Step 7: Fold in Chips

Finally, fold in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These create pockets of melty, delicious flavor that make each bite unforgettable.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden color and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let the magic happen as your kitchen fills up with that irresistible aroma!

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into squares. This resting time helps them set perfectly so they cut cleanly and hold their shape beautifully.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch. Toasted chopped peanuts sprinkled on top also amplify the nutty flavors and add some crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For a cozy treat, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bars stacked on a decorative platter for gatherings or wrapped individually in wax paper tied with twine as cute, portable gifts. You can also create mini dessert bars by cutting them into smaller squares and arranging alongside fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They maintain their moist, chewy texture perfectly if stored properly.

Freezing

To enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm up a bar before eating, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds or enjoy it gently heated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The chips melt beautifully and the bars taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You certainly can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra dimension of texture with little peanut bits throughout the bars. Just be aware it may change the smoothness of the batter slightly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 to make these bars gluten-free without sacrificing much texture or flavor.

What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

No worries! You can simply increase the amount of peanut butter or chocolate chips, or even mix in chopped peanuts to keep that delicious nutty crunch. The bars will still be fantastic.

How thick should the bars be when pressing the dough into the pan?

Press the dough evenly so it fills the pan but isn’t too thick—about 1/2 to 3/4 inch is perfect for balanced baking and texture.

Can I substitute another nut butter for peanut butter?

Absolutely. Almond butter or cashew butter can work beautifully but may adjust the flavor profile slightly. Make sure to use creamy nut butter for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying desserts that never fails to brighten up an afternoon or sweeten a celebration. It’s simple, quick to pull together, and delivers that perfect peanut butter and chocolate harmony everyone loves. Once you try it, I have a feeling these bars will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire too!

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