These chewy cookie bars are bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and studded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just because, they’re an easy-to-make treat that combines the best of cookies and bars in one delicious bite. If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this is the dessert for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy & Gooey – Soft cookie bars with a rich, peanut buttery texture.
- One-Bowl Recipe – Minimal cleanup and quick to prepare.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, bake sales, or after-school snacks.
- No-Chill Dough – Mix, bake, and enjoy—no waiting required!
- Customizable – Add nuts, candies, or extra chocolate for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla – Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips – Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
- Bake – Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into bars. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped peanuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Reese’s Pieces Bars – Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter candies.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Double Chocolate – Mix in white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to a week for firmer bars.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir well before using to prevent oil separation.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well, but dark chocolate is great too!
How do I make these bars extra chewy?
Slightly underbake them and let them cool in the pan before cutting.
Can I make this recipe into cookies?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter make great substitutes.
How do I prevent the bars from being dry?
Don’t overbake, and measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup.
Can I add oats to this recipe?
Yes! Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats for extra chewiness.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well and can be made a day or two in advance.
Are these bars good for lunchboxes?
Absolutely! They’re a great make-ahead snack for kids and adults.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate combination of chewy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery goodness. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy a homemade treat that everyone will love!
Print
Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich peanut butter flavor and melty chocolate chips. The perfect treat for parties, snacks, or anytime cravings!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly gooey.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake and let cool completely before cutting.
- Make it crunchy! Add ½ cup chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American