Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine two beloved flavors—rich peanut butter and gooey chocolate—in one chewy, satisfying treat. These bars are perfect for when I want the taste of cookies without the hassle of scooping individual dough balls. Simple to make and incredibly indulgent, they hit the sweet spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these bars are to throw together, especially when I’m short on time but craving something sweet and homemade. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner, and in bar form, I get soft centers with just the right amount of crisp edges. They’re great for bake sales, potlucks, or just enjoying with a glass of milk on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Creamy peanut butter

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, I beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth, then add both sugars and mix until fluffy.

4. I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. I gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.

6. I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. I bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. I let the bars cool in the pan before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars, depending on how I cut them. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is about 30 to 35 minutes. I usually let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, which makes the total time just under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the semisweet chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on my mood. If I’m feeling adventurous, I add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch or swirl in a bit of jam for a PB&J-inspired twist. Using almond butter or cookie butter can also change up the flavor profile without losing the chewy texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

I can, but I prefer a no-stir kind for better texture. Natural peanut butter can separate and make the dough oily or crumbly.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

I let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Sometimes I chill them for 15 minutes before slicing if I want very neat squares.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it works well. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I use a larger baking dish or divide it between two pans. The baking time might need a small adjustment, so I keep an eye on it.

Are these good for mailing or gifting?

Definitely. They hold up well in transit, especially if I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a sturdy container.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the kind of dessert I turn to when I want maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with comforting goodness. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just for myself, these bars are always a hit and never stick around for long.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a deliciously easy dessert that combines rich peanut butter with melty chocolate chips in a soft, chewy bar. Perfect for busy days, bake sales, or cozy nights in, these cookie bars deliver all the indulgence of classic cookies—without the scooping.

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Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars, and beat until fluffy.

4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing into bars.

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Notes

• For a twist, use dark or milk chocolate chips, or add chopped roasted peanuts.
• Swirl in raspberry jam before baking for a PB&J vibe.
• To cut clean squares, let bars cool completely (or chill for 15 minutes).