Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

One bite of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and you're instantly transported to childhood afternoons filled with warm treats and sticky fingers. I first made these bars for a bake sale at my kids' school, and they sold out within minutes. Since then, they’ve become my go-to dessert for potlucks, picnics, and cozy nights in.

With the perfect balance of nutty richness and melty chocolate, these bars are an irresistible twist on a classic cookie. They’re quick to whip up, bake in one pan, and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup and easy to make.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A classic flavor combo everyone loves.
• Customizable: Add nuts, switch up the chips, or swirl in some jam.
• Portable and Shareable: Great for lunchboxes, bake sales, and parties.
• Quick and Reliable: Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Substitutions and Tips:

• Use almond or sunflower seed butter for a peanut-free version.
• Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
• Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Tip: Lining with parchment ensures easy lifting and clean slicing.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Tip: This step gives the bars a tender, cookie-like texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Spread and Smooth

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Tip: For gooey bars, slightly underbake and let them finish setting as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. Enjoy warm or store for later.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these bars warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

Helpful Notes

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly.
• Customize with Swirls: Drop dollops of peanut butter or jam on top before baking and swirl with a knife.
• Don't Overbake: They continue to cook slightly as they cool.
• Cut with a Plastic Knife: It makes neater edges and fewer crumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
   Nope! These bars go straight from bowl to oven.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily.
4. Can I make this in a smaller pan?
   You can halve the recipe and use an 8x8-inch pan.
5. Why are my bars dry?
   They may have been overbaked. Check at 22 minutes and use moist ingredients.
6. Can I add oats or coconut?
   Definitely! Add up to ½ cup of either for texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are everything you love about cookies, baked into a chewy, gooey, sliceable treat. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re a great choice for spontaneous baking sessions or planned celebrations.

Have you tried these bars? What’s your favorite mix-in or twist? Share your take on this classic combo!