Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 🍪🍫

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth! Combining creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, and a soft, chewy cookie base, these bars are pure indulgence. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite. Plus, adding Reese’s candies takes them to the next level of decadence!

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookie bars step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Chewy : A soft, buttery cookie bar packed with peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
2. Customizable : Add Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s Cups, or nuts for extra flair.
3. Easy to Make : One-bowl recipe with simple steps—perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
4. Crowd-Pleasing : These bars are a hit at parties, potlucks, or as an after-school snack.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Store them for days (if they last that long!) or freeze for later.

Ingredients

(Makes 16–20 bars)

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs , room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1–2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (adjust based on sweetness preference )
• Optional : Chopped Reese’s Cups or Reese’s Pieces for added decadence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the white sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Stir until just combined—the mixture should be light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chips

1. Gently fold in the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. If using, stir in chopped Reese’s Cups or Reese’s Pieces for extra peanut butter-chocolate magic.

Step 6: Press into Pan

1. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, ensuring an even thickness.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the edges are slightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
2. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Eggs : Let the eggs sit out for 20–30 minutes before using. Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
2. Use Parchment Paper : Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out and slice them neatly.
3. Add Extra Treats : Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces on top of the dough before baking for a decorative touch.
4. Storage : Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
5. Freeze for Later : Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Perfect Pairings

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pair beautifully with:

• Milk or Coffee : Serve with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a classic treat.
• Ice Cream : Warm up a bar and serve it à la mode with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Wine : Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato for a sophisticated twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)

(Based on 20 bars)

• Calories : ~220 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~28g
• Fat : ~12g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With their soft, chewy texture, rich flavors, and customizable add-ins, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing guests. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to become a household favorite.