Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers and cookie fans alike. These thick, soft-baked bars combine the richness of peanut butter with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. With no need to chill the dough or roll cookies individually, they’re an easy and delicious treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes all the goodness of a peanut butter cookie and a chocolate chip cookie and packs it into thick, chewy bars. It’s a one-bowl, no-fuss dessert that bakes up beautifully and feeds a crowd. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these bars are satisfying, flavorful, and super easy to make.

ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chocolate chips

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
4. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just incorporated.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

Serves: 24 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• Add chopped peanuts or pretzels for a salty crunch.
• Mix in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a twist.
• Swirl extra peanut butter on top before baking for more flavor and visual appeal.
• Use gluten-free flour if needed for a GF option.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope! This recipe is designed to go straight into the oven without chilling.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a smaller pan for thicker bars—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make it dairy-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a larger pan or bake it in batches for even cooking.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect, but dark or milk chocolate chips also work well.

Can I add oats to the recipe?

Sure! Add up to ½ cup of rolled oats for a chewier, heartier texture.

Do these freeze well?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect marriage of two classic flavors in one easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re baking for a group or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to hit the spot. Rich, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, they’re a treat everyone will love.

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