Name: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings pure joy in each bite, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are about to become your new kitchen hero. With their gooey centers, crisp golden edges, and that irresistible peanut butter flavor, they’re comfort food and crowd-pleaser rolled into one easy pan. Best of all, this fuss-free recipe comes together in just over half an hour. Whether you love a lunchbox treat or a sweet snack with coffee, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars hit the spot every time!

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You likely have most of these simple, essential ingredients right in your pantry already! Each one plays an important role in making these bars chewy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet.

Unsalted Butter, melted: Brings richness and provides that wonderfully soft, tender crumb.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, its nutty flavor comes through in every bite and ensures plenty of moisture.
Brown Sugar, packed: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps the bars stay chewy.
Large Egg: Acts as the binder, giving your bars structure and a little lift.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and brings warmth that balances the peanut butter.
All-Purpose Flour: The building block that gives these bars their sturdy-yet-soft texture.
Baking Powder: Provides subtle lift and a little extra softness to keep the bars from feeling dense.
Baking Soda: Works with the brown sugar for just the right rise and chewiness.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): For those who love peanut butter and chocolate together, these bring melty pockets of joy!

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice even bake from edge to center. Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. The parchment makes lifting out the finished bars a breeze, and you won’t miss a crumb!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and creamy peanut butter until you get a completely smooth, glossy mixture—think peanut butter heaven. Next, add in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk or stir well until everything is combined and gorgeous.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step guarantees that the leaveners and salt are distributed evenly throughout your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, so every bite has the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 4: Stir it All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring only until you see no more streaks of flour. Be gentle here—over-mixing can make the bars dense. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 5: Bake

Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly—it’s a thick dough, so take your time! Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to overbake; the center will firm up as it cools for those signature chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this gives them time to set and makes slicing so much neater. Once cool, lift them out, cut into squares, and prepare to enjoy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each garnish adds a special flourish and brings out their rich, nutty flavor even more.

Side Dishes

Serve warm bars with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate after-dinner treat. If you love your coffee or tea, these bars are positively dreamy alongside a warm mug as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, stack the bars on a tiered cake stand or cut them into mini squares for bite-sized treats. You can even wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for sweet homemade gift favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars will stay fresh for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll taste soft, fresh, and just a little melty—perfection!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add little bits of peanut throughout the bars, which creates even more texture and peanut flavor. Just use the same amount as you would creamy.

How do I know when the Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a center that looks set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Remember, they continue to set as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double everything and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so start checking around the 25–28 minute mark.

Are these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars gluten-free?

As written, they are not gluten-free because of the all-purpose flour. However, you can try swapping with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for similar results. Always check labels for other potential allergens.

Do I need to use chocolate chips?

Nope! The chocolate chips are optional. These bars are deliciously peanut-buttery on their own, but if you love the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, toss them in!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, delightfully nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent, give these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars a try. Whether you keep things simple or get creative with mix-ins, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love after just one bite. Pull out your favorite pan and bake a batch—you’ll have new fans in no time!

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, these bars are sure to be a hit with peanut butter lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve: Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.