These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Soft and chewy with a slightly crispy outside, they offer the perfect combination of textures. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars are easier to make, and the result is simply irresistible. With peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, every bite is packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who can resist the comforting combination of peanut butter and chocolate? These cookie bars are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and rich flavors. They’re super easy to make—just mix, spread in a pan, and bake. No need to roll individual cookies, which means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results. The chewy texture of the bars combined with the crunch of the slightly crisp edges makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for dessert, or simply as a snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups peanut butter chips
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer (with paddle attachment) or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well-combined.
Add the Sugars and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the Chips: Stir in the peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread the Dough: Press the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If you prefer a softer, chewier bar, bake closer to 25 minutes. For a firmer, slightly crispier edge, bake a bit longer.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 15 bars

Variations

Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped peanuts or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and nuttiness.
More Chocolate: Add extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for an extra indulgent touch.
Dried Fruit: Try adding ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual bars for about 10–15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and could affect the texture of the cookie bars, so it’s best to stick with creamy peanut butter for this recipe.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

4. How can I make these bars chewier?

To make these bars chewier, bake them on the shorter end of the suggested time and let them cool completely before cutting.

5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture, but it may alter the smoothness of the bars. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, feel free to use it!

6. Can I double the recipe to make more bars?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the bars in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

7. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator before pressing it into the pan.

8. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. The top should look golden, and the edges should be slightly crisp.

9. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like coconut flakes, pretzels, or even butterscotch chips to customize the bars to your liking.

10. How should I cut the bars for serving?

Once the bars have cooled completely, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares using a sharp knife for clean, even pieces.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the best of both peanut butter and chocolate. With a soft, chewy interior and slightly crisp outside, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from a family snack to a special dessert for a gathering. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!