Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup salted butter (170 g); ½ cup creamy peanut butter (128 g); 2 large eggs; 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (318 g); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour (284 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup chocolate chips

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These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with rich chocolate chips and a soft, chewy cookie base. Whether I’m looking for a quick snack or a dessert to share, these bars always hit the spot. The gooey texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible!

Ingredients

¾ cup salted butter (170 g)

½ cup creamy peanut butter (128 g)

2 large eggs

1½ cups packed light brown sugar (318 g)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour (284 g)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips

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

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier.

In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter and peanut butter together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.

Once the mixture is melted, I remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before whisking in the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour and baking soda. Then, I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.

After that, I stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

I spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, I insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

I let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Servings: 16 servings

Calories: 285 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up by adding a few variations to the bars:

Nutty twist: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts for extra crunch.

Dried fruit: I’ve also tried adding raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast to the peanut butter and chocolate.

Chocolate variety: I can use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Swirl of peanut butter: For an extra peanut butter flavor, I like to swirl in some additional peanut butter on top of the batter before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I can keep them in the fridge for about a week. If I want them warm, I simply microwave them for about 15-20 seconds to get that fresh-baked taste. They also freeze really well. I can freeze individual bars in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months and thaw them when I’m craving something sweet.

FAQs

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

To check for doneness, I insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If it’s still wet, I bake for a few more minutes.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

I recommend using creamy peanut butter that has added sugar and oils for the best texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter can result in a slightly different texture and may not yield the same soft, chewy bars.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I can double this recipe if I need a larger batch. Simply use a larger baking pan and adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’d check the bars after 25 minutes and add extra time if needed.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these cookie bars gluten-free, I would use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients should work fine as they are.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Definitely! If I want extra chocolatey goodness, I can add more chocolate chips to the batter. Just keep in mind that adding too many might affect the texture of the bars.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner, and these bars offer the ideal balance of gooey texture and sweet flavor. Whether I’m making them for a family gathering, a snack, or just because, these bars are always a hit.

Recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with rich chocolate chips and a soft, chewy cookie base. The gooey texture and sweet flavor make them irresistible!