Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible peanut butter flavor everyone loves! They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time. Throw in some chocolate chips for an extra treat, or enjoy them plain for a classic favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Oh, my friend, you are in for a treat with these peanut butter cookie bars! This recipe has all the peanut buttery goodness you could dream of, wrapped in soft, chewy, and just-the-right amount-of-sweet cookie bars. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you smile after the first bite and keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Why do I love these bars so much? Let me break it down for you:

• Versatile: Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight snack, a cozy family gathering, or a party where everyone’s looking for something sweet, these cookie bars are perfect. They’re an easy win no matter the occasion!
• Budget-Friendly: No need to run out to an exotic store or break the bank. The ingredients are simple, things you probably already have in your kitchen, but the result is nothing short of amazing.
• Quick and Easy: If you’ve never baked before, these bars are the perfect starting point. They’re simple, straightforward, and practically foolproof. All you need is a mixing bowl and a pan!
• Customizable: Want to add a little extra? Toss in some chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even a swirl of caramel. These bars are your blank canvas to get creative!
• Crowd-Pleasing: I’m talking about the kind of dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Kids, adults, even the picky eaters—they’ll all love these.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bars:

• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Optional: Chocolate Chips (or peanut butter chips for that extra peanutty flavor!)

Note: Measurements are listed in the recipe card, so don’t worry—just follow along and you’ll be good to go!

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the edges for easy removal. You’ll thank me later when it’s time to pull those warm bars out!

Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, grab your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until they’re light, fluffy, and looking dreamy. This is the base for all that delicious peanut butter flavor!

Add the Peanut Butter & Eggs

Now, stir in that creamy peanut butter until everything’s combined, then beat in the eggs, one at a time. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—this step gives everything that deep, comforting warmth. You’re already halfway to something amazing!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients help give your bars the perfect texture, so mix them well!

Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Now, slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix! You want soft and chewy bars, not tough ones. If you’re adding chocolate chips (which I highly recommend), fold them in now. They’ll melt into the dough, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Press & Bake

Transfer that sticky, peanut butter-y dough into your prepared pan and press it down evenly. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they’ll turn golden brown when they’re done, and the center should be set.

Cool & Slice

Once your bars are baked, let them cool completely in the pan. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, letting them cool lets the flavors settle into that perfect, chewy texture. After cooling, just use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan, and slice into squares.

How to Serve These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect just as they are, but here are a few ways to elevate them:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Let’s be real—peanut butter and ice cream are a match made in heaven. Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
• Coffee Companion: Need a snack to go with your afternoon coffee or tea? These peanut butter bars are perfect for that!
• Drizzle with Chocolate: For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a sweet finish.

Additional Tips

• Store Leftovers: If you have any bars left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. But let’s be honest—these probably won’t last that long!
• Double the Batch: These freeze beautifully! If you want to make a bigger batch and save some for later, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever the peanut butter craving hits.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Absolutely! It’ll add a little crunch and texture to your bars, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Q4: Can I freeze these?
A4: Yep! Just freeze them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version!

Now go ahead, give these peanut butter cookie bars a try, and let me know what you think. I promise, they’ll quickly become your new favorite go-to treat! Happy baking!

Print