If you adore the cozy combination of rich peanut butter and melty chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars capture the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any dessert craving. The blend of smooth peanut butter with pockets of luscious chocolate chips creates a treat that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these bars bring a warm, homemade touch that’s incredibly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to making these cookie bars just right. Each element plays an essential role: the peanut butter brings creaminess and depth, the sugars provide sweetness and chewiness, while the chocolate chips add bursts of rich flavor that make every bite special.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): Choose smooth or crunchy based on your texture preference; it forms the creamy base of the bars.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Gives a deep caramel sweetness and contributes to the moist texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle crispness to the edges.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, keeping all ingredients harmoniously together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure for the bars without weighing them down.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a slight rise and softness in the texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and accentuates the peanut butter’s richness.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup): The star element that delivers pockets of gooey, decadent chocolate.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it neatly with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier later. Taking the time here sets you up for a hassle-free baking and clean-up experience.
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the blend is smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic begins—creaming these ingredients well creates the luscious texture that makes these bars so addictive.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and a beautiful aroma that will fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, crucial for perfectly textured bars.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so aim for a tender batter that’s ready for chocolate chips.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter for those perfect gooey pockets scattered throughout each bite. It’s the joyful moment where you know these bars will be nothing short of amazing.
Step 7: Spread Dough and Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down lightly to create uniform thickness. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling helps the bars set, ensuring they hold together nicely when you cut into them.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top right after baking for added visual appeal, or dust with a light coating of powdered sugar if you want a sweet finishing touch. A swirl of peanut butter drizzle can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries to balance the richness with a hint of tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter or stack them between layers of whipped cream for an easy dessert parfait. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a heartfelt homemade gift anyone would love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and moist. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it may dry them out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a convenient treat to enjoy anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked taste, reheat bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture contrast in these bars without changing the overall flavor. It’s a great option if you like a bit of extra bite.
What can I substitute for the unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand; just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors properly.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is meant for baking. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely. Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even shredded coconut make excellent additions for a crunchy twist. Just fold them in at the same stage as the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly firm top. Inserting a toothpick into the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached for the perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next baking adventure. Easy to prepare, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the wonderful delight of these peanut butter and chocolate gems!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips baked into a soft, chewy treat. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, these bars make a fantastic dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated to create a uniform batter.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips. Stir in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for pockets of delicious chocolate in every bite.
- Spread batter in pan. Evenly spread and gently press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even thickness.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use allergen-free chocolate chips.
