If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s chewy, rich, and absolutely bursting with nostalgic comfort, Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about classic peanut butter cookies transformed into thick, golden bars that you can bake in one pan with minimal fuss. They’re perfect for everything from potlucks and bake sales to quiet nights at home when you want something a little indulgent. Best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on time to whip up a batch that’ll satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars works its magic to create a dessert that’s perfectly dense, chewy, and bursting with peanutty flavor. Using simple, familiar ingredients means these bars come together quickly, while each element brings something essential to the mix.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation of richness, it provides moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show! Creates that unbeatable peanutty depth and a chewy bite.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Sweetens with a hint of caramel and helps keep the bars moist.
- Large egg (1): Binds the bars and adds just the right amount of tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little splash goes a long way to round out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Offers the structure these cookie bars need to hold their shape.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a subtle lift for a soft, slightly cakey crumb.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances browning and chewiness, ensuring perfect bites throughout.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut butter chips or chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Mix-ins for pockets of melty, irresistible goodness—use your favorite or mix both!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan makes it a breeze to lift out the cookie bars for easy slicing later—and there’s no fighting with sticky corners!
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This airiness is the secret to creating that classic cookie texture—don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat until everything is fully incorporated, and admire how the dough starts to come together. The vanilla pairs beautifully with the peanut butter for a comforting aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stirring these dry ingredients together helps disperse the leavening agents, so every bite of your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars fluffs up just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no more flour streaks remain. If you overmix, the bars might turn out a bit tough—so go gently! The dough will be thick but spreadable.
Step 6: Fold in Chips
If you’re feeling fancy, gently fold in 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or both. These little additions create pockets of gooey goodness and make the bars even more decadent.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look golden and the center has set. Take care not to overbake—slightly underbaked means ultra-chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Resist the urge to dig in right away. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 generous pieces. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easy to cut into tidy squares for sharing (or not!).
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking takes these bars to gourmet level. The salt balances the sweetness and heightens that peanut butter essence. For an extra-special touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or scatter chopped roasted peanuts over the top.
Side Dishes
Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for peak dessert bliss. For an afternoon treat, pair a bar with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee—the flavors play together perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, layer them between ice cream for decadent sandwiches, or even crumble a couple over yogurt for a playful parfait. Stack them high on a colorful plate for a party spread that never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and ready for snacking whenever that sweet craving hits.
Freezing
For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or sealed container. Tuck them in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
If you want your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars warm and gooey, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate or peanut butter chips will melt slightly, and your kitchen will be perfumed with that irresistible homemade cookie aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little bursts of peanut pieces for extra texture. Go for it if you love a bit of crunch in every bite.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required for these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. The dough is ready to spread and bake right away, which means quicker cookie satisfaction.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just add a few minutes to the baking time and check for doneness at the edges and center.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar in a pinch, though the bars may be a bit less chewy and lack that subtle caramel flavor. If you have molasses, add a teaspoon or two to mimic brown sugar!
Are these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend—it works well and keeps the bars just as chewy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving an after-school snack, a potluck hero, or a cozy midnight dessert, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars will quickly become a treasured go-to. There’s something so comforting and joyful about their simplicity, and I hope you have just as much fun making them as you do eating them. Give them a try—you’ll see how a pan of cookie bars can make any day a little more special!
