Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485182H45M57S
Total time: PT-485182H45M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate chips in a soft, chewy cookie bar format. The perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness makes these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars are a game-changer for busy dessert lovers. Unlike individual cookies, these bars require no scooping or multiple batches - just press the dough into a pan and bake. The result is a perfect texture: soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a classic flavor pairing that appeals to almost everyone. Plus, they're incredibly versatile - enjoy them as an afternoon snack, pack them in lunches, or serve them warm with ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

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

Peanut butter forms the foundation of these bars, providing that distinctive nutty flavor and contributing to their moist, chewy texture. Either smooth or crunchy varieties work well, depending on whether you prefer a uniform texture or little bits of peanut throughout.

Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that perfect cookie texture. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.

Brown sugar brings moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the bars. Its molasses content helps keep the bars soft and chewy.

Granulated sugar works alongside brown sugar to create the perfect sweetness level while helping to create those slightly crisp edges.

Egg acts as a binding agent, holding all ingredients together while also adding moisture and contributing to the rise of the bars.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the recipe, adding depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bars. The protein content in all-purpose flour gives just the right amount of chewiness without making the bars too dense or too cakey.

Baking soda serves as the leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly while baking and creating that perfect cookie texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of both the peanut butter and chocolate. Even a small amount makes a significant difference in the overall taste.

Chocolate chips bring pockets of melty goodness throughout the bars. They're the perfect complement to the peanut butter, creating that classic flavor combination everyone loves.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20-25 minutes, bringing the total time to around 30-35 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.

Variations

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Substitute white chocolate chips for regular chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier variation.

Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use a combination of milk, semi-sweet, and white chocolate chips.

Nutty Peanut Butter Bars: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars: Before baking, swirl ¼ cup of grape or strawberry jam into the top of the batter for a PB&J-inspired treat.

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bars: Drizzle cooled bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Storage/Reheating

These peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container; they'll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds if you prefer it warm and gooey. If reheating from frozen, thaw at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave for 30-40 seconds.

For maximum freshness, place a slice of bread in the storage container with the bars—the bars will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft and chewy for longer.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture of the bars might be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier than conventional varieties, so your bars might spread more during baking. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it's well-stirred, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the bar shape.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter). Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry bars. Remember that the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9x13-inch baking pan. The baking time might need to be increased by a few minutes, so keep an eye on them and check with a toothpick for doneness.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can substitute coconut oil (in solid form) for butter in a 1:1 ratio. This will give a slightly different flavor but will maintain the texture. Alternatively, plant-based butter substitutes designed for baking will also work well.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for best results.

Why did my bars turn out too crumbly?

Crumbly bars are usually the result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure you're measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level, don't pack it down), and watch the baking time carefully. Also, ensure your butter and peanut butter are well incorporated with the sugars for the right texture.

Can I add other mix-ins to these bars?

Definitely! These bars are very versatile. Try adding ½ cup of M&Ms, chopped pretzels, toffee bits, or dried fruit. Just be careful not to add more than 1 cup of additional mix-ins total, as this could affect the texture of the bars.

Why are my bars too greasy?

Excess greasiness might be due to the type of peanut butter used or not properly incorporating the butter. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and that you're creaming it well with the sugars and peanut butter before adding other ingredients.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld. You can make them 1-2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing these bars?

For the cleanest cuts, make sure the bars are completely cooled. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra neat slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting, or run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. They bring together two beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—in a format that's simpler than cookies but every bit as satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for family dinner, a treat to pack in lunchboxes, or a crowd-pleasing offering for gatherings, these bars deliver on all fronts. Their adaptability means you can customize them to suit your preferences, while their straightforward preparation makes them accessible even to novice bakers. Give these bars a try when you're craving something sweet yet substantial, and prepare to add them to your regular rotation of go-to treats.