There’s just something magical about Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—the way the edges get perfectly golden and chewy, the way the middle stays irresistibly soft, and of course, that unbeatable combination of salty-sweet peanut butter mixed with pools of melty chocolate. This is the kind of homemade treat I reach for when I want to share a cozy mood with family or impress at a potluck. Every bite is pure nostalgic bliss, taking classic cookie flavors up a notch in bar form and making it so much easier to feed a crowd. If you haven’t baked these before, you’re about to understand why they get requested over and over again!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple the lineup is for these bars. Each ingredient plays its own unique role in building up the iconic taste and texture. From rich peanut butter to a mix of chocolate chips, each addition makes the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars truly unforgettable.

Peanut Butter: The star of the show, bringing a rich, nutty flavor and signature chewy texture.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds creaminess and depth; using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and hints of caramel that really complement the peanut butter.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages those beautifully crackly tops.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help keep the bars soft.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of cozy warmth that brings everything together.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bars, keeping them thick without becoming cakey.
Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise and stay pleasantly light.
Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors; don’t skip it!
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into puddles and add little bitter notes for balance.
Milk Chocolate Chips: Give extra creaminess and a fun contrast to the semisweet chips.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. For easy bar removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides like handles. Trust me, this little trick makes slicing and serving a breeze!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat until everything looks pale, fluffy, and fully blended. This step sets the foundation for tender, fudgy bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Continue by adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the pure vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is glossy and uniform. This step is key for binding the batter and layering in that addictive cookie flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only evenly distributes the leavening but helps avoid dry patches in the final bars. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain—don’t over-mix, or you’ll lose out on that perfect chew!

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in both the semisweet and milk chocolate chips. The duo of chips gives every bite a fun, gooey surprise and keeps the bars from feeling one-note.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer with the spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. They’ll finish setting up as they cool, so resist overbaking!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once set, grip the parchment overhangs to lift the slab onto a cutting board. Slice into tidy squares or generous rectangles, depending on your mood!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a handful of chopped peanuts for a little crunch. Sometimes, I love dusting them with a bit of powdered sugar right before serving—it’s simple but irresistibly pretty.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is classic, but coffee or a creamy latte turns these bars into an afternoon treat. For dessert-style serving, try pairing with vanilla ice cream or fresh sliced strawberries to cut the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars in a rustic tower for bake sale charm, or line them up in cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go sharing at parties. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares and sandwich vanilla or peanut butter ice cream between two—an unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay wonderfully soft and chewy, making them a perfect treat to grab anytime your sweet tooth calls.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Once cool, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookie bars slightly warm and melty, just pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate softens and the bar tastes freshly baked all over again—especially wonderful with a scoop of ice cream!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for these bars?

You can, but it’s best to use a no-stir variety for a consistent texture. Natural peanut butter with a lot of oil separation can make the bars greasy and affect how they hold together.

How do I make these bars even chewier?

Pull the bars out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underdone, then let them finish setting up as they cool in the pan. The result: extra chewy perfection!

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts all work beautifully. Just keep the total mix-ins around 1.5 cups for the best texture.

Are Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Not with the original recipe, since it calls for all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make them gluten-free—just check your blend includes xanthan gum.

Why did my bars turn out dry or crumbly?

This can happen if you accidentally overbake them or add too much flour (always spoon and level for accuracy). Stick to the recommended baking time and check doneness early to keep your bars soft and moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing a pan of homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—they’re chewy, comforting, and absolutely loaded with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, I hope you fall in love with them as much as I have. Give these bars a try, and make your kitchen smell amazing!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate with these irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These chewy, flavorful bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. A delightful treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in both types of chocolate chips.
Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.