There’s something magical about a chewy, nutty dessert bar that blends rich peanut butter with sweet chocolate. These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the ultimate comfort food treat: thick, buttery, and loaded with chocolate chips for that classic flavor pairing everyone loves. If you’re looking for easy dessert recipes that double as party food or after-school snacks, this is the recipe to keep on repeat.
Imagine biting into a soft bar with golden edges, a melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter center, and little bursts of chocolate in every bite. They’re not only quick to make but also versatile—you can serve them warm with ice cream, cut them into bite-sized squares for parties, or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. With pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal effort, these bars are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking sessions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple & Quick: No chilling or rolling dough—just mix, bake, and slice.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making them perfect for gatherings.
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Customizable: Add nuts, candy, or different flavors to make them your own.
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Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy in the middle with lightly crisped edges.
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Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday dessert trays.
Ingredient Breakdown
Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the recipe, giving bars their rich, nutty flavor and soft texture.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds moisture and richness while balancing the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create that chewy texture.
Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings depth and a slight caramel note.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure to the bars.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor, pairing perfectly with peanut butter and chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of the recipe, providing structure while keeping the bars soft.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight lift so bars don’t bake too dense.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Add melty, chocolatey bursts in every bite.
Chopped Peanuts (½ cup, optional): Bring extra crunch and a nutty punch for those who love texture.
Pro Tips
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Don’t Overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep bars soft.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth blending and even baking.
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Line the Pan with Parchment: Makes it easy to lift bars out for neat slicing.
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Check Early: Ovens vary—start testing at 25 minutes to avoid dry bars.
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Cut with a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, let bars cool fully before cutting.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip chopped peanuts.
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Extra Chocolatey: Swirl melted chocolate on top before baking.
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Candy Lovers: Mix in Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, or chopped peanut butter cups.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
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Oat Version: Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats for a chewier bite.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are a treat on their own, but they can also be elevated for different occasions. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter for parties or potlucks. Pair with a cold glass of milk for kids or coffee for adults. They also make fantastic holiday gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
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Refrigerator: Extend freshness by storing for up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, spread into the pan and bake as directed.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Peanut butter desserts are deeply rooted in American comfort food traditions. Since peanut butter’s rise in popularity in the early 1900s, home bakers have been incorporating it into cookies, pies, and bars. These cookie bars are a modern take on classic peanut butter cookies, simplifying the process into an easy-to-share dessert. Loved for their nostalgic flavor, they’re a staple at bake sales, family reunions, and holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds more texture and pairs well with the chocolate chips.
Q2: How do I know when the bars are done?
They’re ready when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Q3: Can I halve this recipe?
Absolutely. Use an 8×8-inch pan and bake 20–25 minutes.
Q4: Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
No, they keep fine at room temperature, but refrigeration extends freshness.
Q5: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, if using.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.