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
Scale
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.
