Craving something sweet that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your dessert cravings! With the rich combination of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips, every bite is a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, these bars deliver a chewy, indulgent texture that everyone will love. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something homemade and delicious. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started!

Key Benefits

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and bound to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars check all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Quick & Easy: No complicated steps, no special equipment—just a few bowls, a spatula, and your oven! These bars come together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have all day to bake.
Chewy Texture: What sets these bars apart is their soft, chewy texture. With the combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips, each bite is packed with that melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes them irresistible.
Versatile & Customizable: Want to add a little something extra? You can easily customize this recipe! Mix in peanut butter chips, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even fold in some chopped nuts for crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are a hit whether you’re hosting a party, taking a treat to a potluck, or just enjoying a snack at home. They also make a great gift for friends and family who love homemade sweets.
Peanut Butter Benefits: Did you know peanut butter is packed with healthy fats and protein? It’s not only delicious but also adds a satisfying and slightly nutritious element to these bars, making them even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the fun part—baking—let’s make sure you have everything you need! These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come together with just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted) – The butter adds richness and moisture, helping to create that soft, chewy texture.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – This is the star of the show! Creamy peanut butter gives the bars that deliciously smooth texture and flavor.
1 cup brown sugar (packed) – Brown sugar helps create a rich sweetness and moisture that makes these bars extra chewy.
1/4 cup granulated sugar – A little extra sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the peanut butter.
2 large eggs – The eggs act as a binding agent and help create that soft, moist texture you’ll love.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Vanilla adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making the bars more aromatic and delicious.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for your dough, providing structure to the bars.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a perfect, slightly puffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Chocolate chips add a melty, indulgent element that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional) – For those extra peanut butter lovers, peanut butter chips are a great add-in to enhance the flavor.

Pro Tip: Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Crunchy peanut butter can be used, but it may change the final texture of your bars, adding a bit more bite.

Now that you’ve gathered everything, you’re just one step away from creating these delicious bars! Let’s move on to the next section: the baking process.

Instructions

Ready to bake these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars? Let’s walk through the steps together! With just a few simple actions, you’ll have a pan of warm, gooey cookie bars in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden-brown edge.
Prepare your baking dish
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the bars from sticking to the dish.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The peanut butter will begin to shine, creating that wonderful rich base for your bars.
Add eggs and vanilla
Crack the eggs into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. The eggs will help bind the ingredients, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly before adding them to the wet mixture.
Mix the dry into the wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bars may turn out a bit too dense. You want a soft, thick dough that’s easy to spread.
Fold in the chocolate chips
Now for the fun part—fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and peanut butter chips, if you’re using them!). The chips will melt slightly while baking, giving the bars those delicious pockets of gooey chocolate.
Spread the dough
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. A spatula works great for this step, helping you create an even layer.
Bake to perfection
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The bars should still be a little soft in the middle when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Let them cool
Once done, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This step is essential for clean cuts and ensuring the bars hold together.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing them to cool fully helps the bars set and makes them easier to slice into perfect squares.

Now that you’ve mastered the baking process, you’re just moments away from enjoying these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! Ready to move on to serving them? Let’s dive into the next section!

Pro Tips and Variations

Want to take your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to the next level? Here are some expert tips and fun variations to customize your bars and make them even more irresistible.

Pro Tips:

Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. You want that light, chewy texture!
Check your oven’s temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so be sure to check the bars a minute or two before the suggested baking time. If the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft, they’re ready to come out.
Cool completely: Let your bars cool fully in the pan before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner, more satisfying slices.

Fun Variations:

Add nuts for crunch: If you love a bit of texture, consider folding in chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even pecans into the batter. They pair perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Go full peanut butter: For an extra peanut butter punch, double up on the peanut butter chips or swirl a little extra peanut butter into the dough before baking. The more peanut butter, the better!
Make them extra sweet: Want to take your bars to new levels of indulgence? Add a handful of toffee bits or caramel chips to the batter. The melt-in-your-mouth sweetness pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter combo.
Try a salted finish: Before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of the dough. This will give the bars a delightful salty-sweet balance that’s seriously addictive.
Make them gluten-free: If you or someone you’re baking for needs a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour (like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend). The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still have delicious results.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them! These bars are super versatile, so here are some fun and delicious ways to serve them that will take your dessert game to the next level.

1. Classic Bar Style

Simply slice them into squares and serve as-is. This is the easiest and quickest option—perfect for when you need a no-fuss treat to share at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

2. With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Take it up a notch by serving these bars with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even peanut butter ice cream all make the perfect pairing with the rich, chewy texture of the bars. For a truly indulgent treat, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel syrup on top!

3. In a Parfait

For a fun twist, cut the bars into small chunks and layer them in a glass with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and fresh berries. This makes for a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes!

4. Warm & Gooey

For that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The bars will soften, and the chocolate chips will become melty and gooey—perfect for a cozy evening treat.

5. With a Cup of Coffee or Milk

Nothing beats the classic pairing of dessert and a hot beverage. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. The combo of flavors and textures is pure comfort.

6. Gift Them to a Friend

These bars make a perfect homemade gift. Pack them in a cute tin or box with a ribbon for an easy yet thoughtful gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or just to show someone you care. You can even throw in a note with your favorite baking tips!

Pro Tip: If you want to make these bars even more festive for a special occasion, top them with colorful sprinkles, M&Ms, or even drizzle a little white chocolate over the top before serving.

With so many ways to serve them, you’ll never get bored of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Whether you enjoy them on their own or pair them with other desserts, they’re sure to be a hit wherever you take them!

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, chewy, and indulgent. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy in so many different ways. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or gifting them to a friend, they’re sure to be a hit.

The rich peanut butter and melty chocolate chips blend beautifully to create a treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, with the many ways you can customize the recipe—whether you add nuts, extra peanut butter chips, or a pinch of sea salt—you’ll never get tired of them. Every batch can be a new adventure!

If you’re craving more sweet, easy-to-make treats, you might enjoy these Cannoli Cookie Cups that offer a fun twist on the classic Italian dessert, or maybe try these No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for a chilled, creamy dessert perfect for warmer weather. Also, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your baking game, don’t miss the simple yet delicious Sugar-Free Whipped Cream recipe that will make any dessert extra special.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible cookie bars. They’re not just a treat; they’re a fun experience to bake and share with those you love. Happy baking, and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey bite!

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a bit of extra texture in your bars. Just keep in mind that the bars will have little bits of peanuts, which can add a nice crunch to the chewy texture.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These bars actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors have time to meld together. To store them, simply cover them in an airtight container and leave them at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

3. Can I make these bars without eggs?

If you need an egg-free version, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes to thicken) or a store-bought egg replacer. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

5. How can I make these bars even more decadent?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can:

Drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top after baking.
Add toffee bits, caramel chips, or even a handful of your favorite candy for a unique twist.
Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty flavor boost.

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

To check if your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it—no wet batter. Keep in mind that the bars will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.

7. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. You could also try chopped chocolate for larger chunks of melty goodness.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A Must-Try Recipe!

Table of Contents

Key Benefits

Ingredients

Instructions