There is nothing quite like the perfect balance of nutty richness and chocolatey delight wrapped in a single treat, and that is exactly what this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe delivers. These bars boast a tender, buttery base studded with generous amounts of peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating layers of flavor that melt beautifully in your mouth. They are wonderfully easy to make, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack. If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient bar form, this recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each one serves an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From creamy peanut butter to the rich blend of sugars, each element contributes to the bars’ irresistible appeal in its own special way.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup / 128g): Adds a smooth, nutty flavor and moisture to the bars, enhancing richness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup / 113g): Provides a tender crumb and buttery depth to the cookie bars.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150g): Helps with the crispy edges and sweetness balance.
- Light brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup / 165g): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and chewy texture to every bite.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and lend structure to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups / 281g): The foundation for chewy yet sturdy bars.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just a touch of lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
- Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty notes.
- Peanut butter chips (1 1/2 cups / 255g): Little bursts of peanut butter flavor embedded throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups / 255g): Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate joy.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will give your cookie bars a perfect non-stick surface for easy removal. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl and set it aside. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed within the flour for a balanced taste.
Step 2: Cream the Butters
In a separate large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until completely smooth. This step is key because the creamy mixture provides both the rich flavor and creamy texture that defines these bars. Take your time mixing to ensure the base is perfectly uniform.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs
Gradually add both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the peanut butter and butter mix, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which makes the bars delightfully tender. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for even incorporation. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract to give the dough a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so gentle folding is best. The dough will be thick and ready for the fun part—adding chips!
Step 5: Fold in the Chips
Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These gems hide little pockets of flavor that explode with every bite, giving these cookie bars a heavenly texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, making sure it fills every corner to bake uniformly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. It’s best to avoid overbaking for a chewy-soft center.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cool, lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper and slice into 16 generous squares. The cooling step helps the bars hold their shape while maintaining their tender texture.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet gorgeous presentation, sprinkle a few extra peanut butter and chocolate chips on top of the bars before slicing, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Adding a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet and salty contrast in each bite.
Side Dishes
These bars are excellent on their own but shine beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a beverage pairing, a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee makes an unbeatable combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these cookie bars between parchment paper and placing them in a decorative tin for gifting. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruit and nuts, or skewer small bars with marshmallows and strawberries for fun dessert kabobs at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay chewy and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars either whole or cut into individual squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookie bars will keep their delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to serve the bars warm, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms the chocolate chips to gooey perfection without drying out the cookie base. Alternatively, heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes for a soft, freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture variation with little peanut chunks throughout the bars, adding even more nutty crunch.
Are peanut butter chips necessary or can I substitute them?
You can substitute peanut butter chips with chopped roasted peanuts or more chocolate chips if you prefer. The chips, however, add a brand-specific peanut butter burst that enhances the flavor uniquely.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture right.
What makes these bars different from regular peanut butter cookies?
The bar format offers a thick, chewy texture with a fudgy center and crisp edges all in one bite. Plus, the dual peanut butter and chocolate chips create a layered flavor experience that classic cookies often lack.
How do I prevent the bars from drying out?
Don’t overbake the bars; pulling them out when a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs helps keep them soft. Also, storing them in an airtight container will lock in moisture effectively.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate in a chewy, easy-to-share format, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe truly hits the mark. It’s a wonderful way to brighten any day with its irresistible flavor and effortless preparation. I encourage you to grab your ingredients, dive in, and create these bars that will undoubtedly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that combine creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips for an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing, these bar cookies bake up soft with golden edges and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Sugars and Chips
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) peanut butter chips
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a separate large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugars: Gradually add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the butter mixture, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air and ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the bars tough.
- Fold in Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 lined baking pan, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and slice into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Softened butter is essential for proper creaming with peanut butter and sugars.
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour can result in tough bars—mix just until combined.
- Using parchment paper helps to easily lift the bars from the pan and makes cleanup quicker.
- Check the bars at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking; they should be soft but set.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
