Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Indulging in a sweet treat that perfectly balances the rich flavors of chocolate and the creamy goodness of peanut butter is always a delight. Today, we’re diving into the world of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, a dessert that combines the best of both worlds in one easy-to-make recipe. These bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate and peanut butter chips, making them an irresistible snack for any time of day. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a cozy night in, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookie bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic behind these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that makes each bite memorable. The use of both light brown sugar and granulated sugar gives these bars a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, leading to a soft and chewy texture. Additionally, the simple method requires minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring that you end up with deliciously satisfying bars that hold their shape and flavor.
The Essentials
To create these incredible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (187.5g) all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie bars, providing structure.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the sweet ingredients.
- 1 cup (165g) light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor.
- 1 cup (193.5g) creamy peanut butter – The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature taste.
- 1 cup (113.5g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – Creates a rich, buttery texture.
- 1 cup (100g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 cup (180g) semisweet chocolate chips – For those rich chocolatey bursts in every bite.
- 1 cup (170g) peanut butter chips – Extra peanut butter flavor and creaminess.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding in the chocolate and peanut butter chips.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – The ideal size for baking your cookie bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars from the pan.
- Oven – Essential for baking the bars to perfection.
Method: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Egg
Next, add the creamy peanut butter to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 6: Fold in Chips
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
What to Use Instead
If you find yourself missing any ingredients, here are some alternatives:
- All-purpose flour – Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Creamy peanut butter – Chunky peanut butter can be used for added texture.
- Unsalted butter – Can be replaced with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips can work in a pinch.
Little Things that Matter
Here are some tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use a combination of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips for a delightful flavor contrast.
- Do not overbake! The bars will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen bars, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.
Quick Q&A
Can I make these cookie bars vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter substitute to make these bars vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with these cookie bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold almond milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped peanuts or walnuts would add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile of the bars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
The Takeaway
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will please everyone in your household. With their rich, peanut buttery flavor and the delightful addition of chocolate, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. The combination of textures and flavors creates a chewy, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as an everyday snack, these cookie bars are bound to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking – you won’t regret it!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, blending until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use a combination of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips for a delightful flavor contrast.
- Do not overbake! The bars will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
