Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy and quick alternative to making individual cookies. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a rich, indulgent flavor, while the chewy texture makes them super satisfying. Not only do they come together in a matter of minutes, but they also require minimal ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for busy days. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these bars offer the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate experience.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped peanuts or other mix-ins like M&Ms or butterscotch chips for extra flavor and texture.
Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Vegan: Use a plant-based butter and egg substitute to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Peanut butter chips: For an extra peanut butter flavor, you can replace some of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some extra texture in your cookie bars.

2. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor.

3. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the bars in a larger pan, such as a 13×9-inch pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

4. Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

No, you do not need to refrigerate the dough. Simply mix and bake for delicious results.

5. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a bit of flavor, but you can substitute it with white sugar if needed, though the texture may change slightly.

6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Yes, feel free to get creative with your add-ins! You can mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even swirls of caramel sauce.

8. How long should I let the bars cool before cutting?

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.

9. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

10. What can I serve these bars with?

These cookie bars are perfect on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge for a decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a fantastic dessert that combines the best of both worlds—creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation time, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!