If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Perfectly chewy, rich, and loaded with flavor, this easy-to-make treat is ideal for parties, snacks, or even a sweet gift. With a buttery peanut butter base and a luscious chocolate topping, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these bars ready in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like Reese’s pieces, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, making this a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup) & Light brown sugar (½ cup): Provide sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star ingredient, giving the bars their delicious nutty flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): Forms the base of the dough and gives structure to the bars.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the bars rise slightly, making them soft and fluffy.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
Optional Topping
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- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds extra peanut butter flavor and helps the chocolate chips melt smoothly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Brings a rich, melty sweetness to the bars.
- Chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces (¼ cup): Adds crunch and an extra peanuty touch to the topping.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking; they should be slightly soft in the center.
- Easy Slicing: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in ½ cup of crushed pretzels or graham crackers into the dough.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Fruit: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to balance the richness.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture, but the bars won’t be as smooth.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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3. How do I prevent the chocolate topping from hardening too much?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate chips when melting for a smoother, softer topping.
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
Description
These soft and chewy peanut butter cookie bars combine creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, topped with melted peanut butter and chocolate chips. A delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (creates a rich, buttery base)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness and texture)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (enhances moisture and depth of flavor)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (the star ingredient for that nutty goodness)
- 1 large egg (binds the ingredients together)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds a hint of warmth and aroma)
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- ½ tsp baking powder (helps the bars rise slightly)
- ¼ tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (for an extra layer of nutty flavor)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melts into a smooth, decadent topping)
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces (adds crunch and visual appeal)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Spread a layer of peanut butter over the warm bars. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let them melt, then spread smoothly. Finish with chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, use natural peanut butter and reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- These bars are perfect for holiday baking or as a lunchbox treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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