If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible charm of chocolate chips, this Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars are soft yet sturdy, offering the perfect balance of chewy and tender textures that make every bite a pure joy. Easy to whip up and even easier to devour, they are a perfect dessert for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. Get ready to indulge in buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just simple pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays its part, from the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the soft texture, to the light brown sugar bringing a hint of caramelized sweetness, and the chocolate chips for that extra burst of flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Provides a creamy base and tender crumb for the bars.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Key for that unmistakable peanut butter flavor and smooth texture.
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (tightly packed): Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crispness around edges.
- 1 large egg (+ 1 large egg yolk): Binds the ingredients and adds richness for a soft chew.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with subtle warmth and aroma.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides just a touch of lift and lightness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and makes the batter easy to spread.
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate): Little pockets of chocolate bliss that complement the peanut butter perfectly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease and flour it. This guarantees your peanut butter cookie bars will bake evenly and come out clean without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is where the magic begins to form, developing that luscious texture and rich flavor foundation.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients work together to bind the dough and introduce a warm, comforting aroma that gives the bars extra character.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt for balanced flavor and texture throughout.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, blending thoroughly as you go. The dough will start to come together, becoming thick and manageable.
Step 6: Incorporate Milk for Moisture
Add in the milk and stir well once again. The milk helps to soften the dough making it easier to spread evenly without compromising the structure.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly for little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. This is where the bars start to become truly irresistible.
Step 8: Spread the Batter and Bake
Transfer your batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan—this step is crucial for clean slicing and helps the bars firm up to the perfect consistency. Once cooled, cut into 24 generous squares and get ready to savor!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top of each bar after baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavor contrast. You might also drizzle melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. If you want to elevate dessert time, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist that friends and family will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars as part of a dessert platter featuring fresh fruit, nuts, and perhaps a bit of caramel sauce. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover peanut butter cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking or sharing throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars even longer, freeze them by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when taken out.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, reheat bars briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. This will make the chocolate gooey again and the bars taste almost like they just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to the bars, which many people find delightful. Just be aware that the texture of the bars will be a little more varied rather than completely smooth.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?
Absolutely. Feel free to use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor profile. Each alternative will bring its own unique twist to your peanut butter cookie bars.
Do I have to use cornstarch in the recipe?
While cornstarch isn’t essential, it helps keep the bars tender and soft. If you don’t have any on hand, the bars will still turn out great, just expect a slightly different texture.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure, or add it separately according to the blend’s instructions.
Can these bars be made vegan?
With small adjustments like using vegan butter, a flax egg or other egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate chips, you can certainly adapt this Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe to be vegan friendly without losing the delicious flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to make and enjoy this Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe—it’s one of those desserts that never fails to brighten the day and satisfy your sweet tooth with the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether for a casual snack or a special occasion, these bars promise smiles and happy taste buds every time. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and share the love!
Print
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a deliciously rich and chewy treat, featuring creamy peanut butter, brown sugar sweetness, and melty chocolate chips baked to perfection in a single pan. Perfect for dessert or snacks, they offer a delightful balance of classic flavors in an easy-to-make bar form.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (tightly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease and flour it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring that the sugars are well incorporated and the mixture looks smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together uniformly without overmixing, which keeps the bars tender.
- Add Milk and Stir: Pour in the milk and stir until it is fully incorporated to loosen the dough slightly, making it easier to spread.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth, flat surface for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs for soft, chewy bars.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 24 squares to ensure they hold their shape and have the best texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars chewy rather than dry.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Chilling the dough before baking can yield a thicker, more fudgy bar.
