If you have a soft spot for all things peanut butter and crave that perfect balance between chewy and slightly crunchy, my Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert. These bars boast the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter paired with just the right hint of sweetness from brown sugar, culminating in a treat that’s easy to bake and impossible to resist. Whether you’re packing snacks for a picnic or just want to brighten up your afternoon coffee break, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each element plays an important role, from the buttery softness to the just-right texture and the wonderful peanut butter flavor that shines through.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb, so make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives these bars their iconic flavor and moist texture.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides sweetness with its subtle molasses notes, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, holding all your ingredients together while contributing to a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bars, ensuring they hold their shape when cut.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, keeping them light and soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to create a tender crumb and subtle lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds a hint of melty chocolate for those who love a little extra indulgence.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to line or grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly after baking. Parchment paper is ideal for easy removal and mess-free cutting.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and packed light brown sugar. This mixture should become smooth and fluffy, which creates the perfect base that guarantees a soft and moist bar.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter mixture is creamy, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Mix these just until combined—overmixing can make your bars dense, so keep it simple and gentle.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these together not only ensures even distribution but also helps avoid any clumps that might affect the texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula or spoon just until everything comes together—no more, no less. If you opted for chocolate chips, gently fold them in now to distribute that melty goodness throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread your dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the top appears golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. This ensures your bars will be soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This step is key to keeping their shape and avoiding crumbles. Once cooled, cut into 16 delicious bars and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars even more, consider drizzling some melted peanut butter over the top for a glossy finish and extra flavor punch. A sprinkle of sea salt or crushed peanuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture. For a chocolate lover’s dream, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a handful of chocolate shavings works wonders.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars make a fantastic partner to a cup of coffee or tea, balancing sweetness with your favorite hot beverage. If you want to turn these bars into a simple dessert plate, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries, which add a refreshing touch and brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, place your bars on decorative parchment paper in a rustic wooden tray, perfect for gatherings or picnics. Stack a few bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey for a mini peanut butter dessert parfait. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares for cookie bar bites — perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These delicious bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. Storing them this way maintains their soft texture and fresh flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best taste.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This little trick makes the peanut butter gooey and the entire bar taste as fresh as when it came out of the oven. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll get too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture with bits of peanuts in every bite, which pairs nicely with the soft bars. Just be aware this might make the dough a bit chunkier.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute with granulated white sugar; however, your bars might lose some of that depth and chewy moisture that brown sugar provides. For a closer match, try mixing white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The original Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may vary slightly but should still be delicious!
Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
Definitely. The chocolate chips add a lovely sweetness and richness, but they’re entirely optional. Without them, you’ll have a purely peanut buttery bar that’s just as satisfying and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
How do I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Doubling the recipe is simple: just use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes longer than stated. Keep an eye on the bars toward the end to avoid overbaking and ensure they remain soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the warm, nutty goodness of these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe that just feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars are unbelievably simple yet thoughtfully delicious. Give this recipe a try soon—I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet brown sugar, enhanced with optional semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, these bars make a deliciously easy dessert or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Butter and Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-in
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the batter tender. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Prepare to bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For an intensified peanut butter flavor, consider drizzling melted peanut butter over the bars before serving.
- If doubling the recipe to fit a 9×13-inch pan, extend the baking time by 5 to 7 minutes to ensure proper cooking.
