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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are made by mixing a buttery cookie base with gooey peanut butter and melty chocolate chips, then baking until golden and caramelized on top. The texture is chewy and slightly crisp around the edges, with a rich, indulgent flavor from the peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect for a sweet, comforting treat that combines the classic flavors of cookies in bar form.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup peanut butter smooth or crunchy
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk chocolate

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You should hear a gentle whir and see the mixture turn a pale color.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until combined. The mixture will look smooth and glossy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. The dough will become thick and slightly crumbly but hold together.
  5. Stir in the peanut butter until evenly distributed, making the dough a creamy, sticky consistency that smells nutty and sweet.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. The dough should be soft but scoopable.
  7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with a spatula to create a smooth top.
  8. 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. The house will fill with a warm, chocolate-peanut aroma.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps prevent cracking and makes cutting easier.
  10. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. The bars should be chewy with a slightly crisp top, oozing with melty chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

Notes

For extra richness, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.