Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

This peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bar recipe transforms classic cookies into convenient, shareable bars with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The chewy texture and generous amount of chocolate and peanut butter chips make these an irresistible treat for any occasion.

I first made these bars when I needed a quick dessert for an impromptu neighborhood gathering. They disappeared so quickly that I now keep the ingredients on hand at all times for dessert emergencies.

Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter: use a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best texture and binding properties
• Unsalted butter: softened at room temperature for proper creaming with sugars
• Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps create those crispy edges
• Light brown sugar: adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the peanut butter
• Large eggs: bind everything together and provide structure
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors use pure extract for best results
• All purpose flour: provides the structure for these bars choose unbleached for best flavor
• Baking powder: gives just the right amount of lift without making them cakey
• Fine sea salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor
• Peanut butter chips: double down on the peanut butter flavor
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: provide the perfect sweet counterpoint to the peanut butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your pan:

Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the finished bars. This step is crucial for clean cutting and serving.

Mix the dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour baking powder and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Cream the fats:

Beat the softened butter and peanut butter together in a separate large bowl until completely smooth and well blended. Take your time here about 2 minutes using an electric mixer to create a fluffy base.

Add the sugars:

Gradually add both white and brown sugars to the butter mixture beating continuously until the mixture becomes light and fluffy about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a better texture.

Incorporate the wet ingredients:

Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Combine wet and dry:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients mixing on low speed just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your bars tough.

Fold in the chips:

Using a rubber spatula gently fold in both peanut butter and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Transfer to pan:

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using slightly damp hands or a spatula to prevent sticking. Take time to create an even layer for consistent baking.

Bake to perfection:

Place in preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool before cutting:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares. This cooling period allows the bars to set properly for clean cuts.

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My absolute favorite thing about these bars is how the peanut butter chips melt differently than the chocolate ones creating pockets of distinct flavor. I remember bringing these to my daughter's soccer tournament where even the pickiest kids came back for seconds and thirds.

Perfect Texture Tips

The key to these bars' perfect texture lies in not overbaking them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. They'll continue cooking from residual heat and firm up as they cool giving you that perfect chewy center with slightly crisp edges that everyone loves.

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Storage and Freshness

These bars maintain peak freshness for about 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer bag. Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

Creative Variations

This versatile base recipe welcomes adaptations. Try white chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips for a sweeter profile. Add a cup of chopped toasted peanuts for extra crunch. For a festive touch fold in colorful candy coated chocolate pieces. During fall add a teaspoon of cinnamon and substitute butterscotch chips for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

While these bars are perfect on their own they transform into an impressive dessert when slightly warmed and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For a fun lunch box treat wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine. They also make excellent gifts packaged in decorative tins during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I store peanut butter cookie bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds texture to the bars, but it may slightly alter the smoothness of the batter.

→ Can I substitute chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits as mix-ins for variation.

→ What can I do if I don't have parchment paper?

Grease the baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

→ How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will turn golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.