These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. They’re rich, chewy, and loaded with all the good stuff: creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and a buttery cookie base that holds everything together like a warm hug.
Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make — no scooping individual cookies, just spread the dough in a pan and bake. Perfect for bake sales, lazy Sunday cravings, or a sweet pick-me-up for your coworkers.
Even better? They taste even more delicious the next day (if you have any left, that is!). So go ahead, preheat that oven — dessert magic awaits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic flavor combo of peanut butter + chocolate
- No mixer required if you don’t have one
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
- Soft, chewy, and loaded with chips in every bite
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, 9×13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, oven
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) peanut butter chips
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven” Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butters: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugars: Add in both the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until light and fluffy — this takes about 2–3 minutes and adds lovely airiness.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing — we want tender bars!
- Fold in the Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Try to get an even spread throughout the dough.
- Press and Bake: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or damp fingers to press it into an even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then use the parchment to lift them out, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares. Enjoy!
Variations to Try:
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a twist.
- Stir in chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
- Add a swirl of Nutella or raspberry jam before baking for a surprise layer.
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nutty variation.
Pro Tips:
- For even baking, press the dough into the pan using slightly damp hands — it spreads easier and gives a smooth top.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier bars.
- Don’t overbake! The bars will firm up as they cool.
- If you love gooey centers, take them out when the middle still looks a bit soft.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) peanut butter chips
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven” Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butters: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugars: Add in both the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until light and fluffy — this takes about 2–3 minutes and adds lovely airiness.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing — we want tender bars!
- Fold in the Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Try to get an even spread throughout the dough.
- Press and Bake: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or damp fingers to press it into an even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then use the parchment to lift them out, place on a cutting board, and slice into squares. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
