Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookie bars are thick, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy treat at home. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
1. Quick and Easy: Made in just under an hour with pantry staples.
2. Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks.
3. Texture Heaven: A perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and chocolatey.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
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Ingredients Breakdown
For the Bars
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives these bars their signature nutty flavor.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and moisture for that chewy texture.
Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the bars.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and achieve the perfect texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and well combined.
3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
5️⃣ Bake the Bars
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool and Cut
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve.
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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Check the bars a few minutes early to avoid dry edges.
3. Customize Your Chocolate: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips—or a combination—for a flavor twist.
4. Add Extra Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as peanuts or walnuts, into the batter for added crunch.
5. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
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Variations to Try
1. Peanut Butter Lovers: Swirl in extra peanut butter before baking for a marbled effect.
2. Fudgy Bars: Add a ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-infused version.
3. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel over the cooled bars for an indulgent touch.
4. Crunchy Twist: Replace creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect snack.
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Storage Tips
1. At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. In the Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life to about 7-10 days by refrigerating.
3. In the Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
Calories: ~200
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
(Note: Based on 24 servings; values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
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Why These Bars Are a Must-Try
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, chewy treats. They’re easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy.
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FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure to stir it well before measuring to prevent oil separation, which can affect the texture.
2. Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute.
3. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper for easy removal, or grease the pan thoroughly.
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Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of nutty, sweet, and chocolatey flavors. With their chewy texture and simple preparation, they’re a treat you’ll find yourself making over and over again. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin—these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!
