Description
These peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars are a perfect balance of chewy and slightly crispy. With a smooth peanut butter base, melty chocolate chips, and a rich flavor, they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Best of all, they come together easily in just one bowl with no mixer and no chilling needed.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions:
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or a mix of dark chocolate and semi-sweet)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling on top)
1/2 cup white chocolate or butterscotch chips (optional)
Caramel swirl or Nutella (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by lining an 8×8 or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the edges for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until smooth and fluffy. Add the peanut butter and stir until fully combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins (like chopped peanuts or white chocolate chips). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Pour the dough into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your pan size. The center should be slightly underbaked for a soft, chewy interior.
Notes
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Don’t Overbake: To keep the bars chewy, remove them from the oven when the center is just slightly soft.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures smooth, even mixing.
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Rest Before Slicing: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from being too gooey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars