These peanut butter chocolate chip bars are rich, chewy, and the perfect treat for satisfying my sweet cravings. With creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips folded into the batter, these bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. They’re easy to make, and the flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner!
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well-combined.
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, then beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into 16 squares.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Storage/Reheating
I like to store these peanut butter chocolate chip bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to enjoy them later, I sometimes pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up. They also freeze well, so I can freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, I can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter if I prefer some texture in my bars. It will change the consistency a bit, but they will still taste delicious.
How do I know when the bars are done?
I always check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done! If it’s completely wet, I bake them a little longer.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts?
Definitely! I love to experiment with different mix-ins. Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even toffee bits would be a great addition to these bars.
Can I make these bars in a larger pan?
I can make these in a larger pan, but I’ll need to adjust the baking time. If I use a 9x13-inch pan, the bars will be thinner, so they might bake faster. I’d recommend checking them after 15 minutes.
How should I store these bars if I want them to last longer?
If I want the bars to last longer, I can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep for about a week that way.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a perfect combination of rich, chewy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips. I love how quick and easy they are to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just a sweet snack, they’re always a hit. The best part? They’re so simple to throw together and are packed with irresistible flavors. If you’re craving a delicious treat, this is the recipe to try!
Recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These peanut butter chocolate chip bars are rich, chewy, and the perfect treat for satisfying sweet cravings. With creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips, they make the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, then beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into 16 squares.
Notes
Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for creamy peanut butter for a different texture.
Check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs, they are done.
Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped peanuts, walnuts, or toffee bits.
If using a larger pan, check for doneness earlier, as the bars may bake faster in a 9x13-inch pan.
For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge where they last up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg