If you’re hunting for a quick, family-pleasing treat, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Each bar boasts a rich, nutty flavor with a soft, chewy center and that irresistible hint of brown sugar. Best of all, the simple ingredients come together in a single bowl, so you can whip up a batch on a whim, whether for a bake sale, after-school snack, or your own late-night craving fix. These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the kind of fuss-free dessert recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to create something delightfully delicious! Every ingredient in this recipe matters—from the richness of the butter to the sweet, salty pop of peanut butter, each one adds its own wonderful touch. Gather these simple basics and let’s make something magical!

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the bars a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps carry the peanut butter flavor throughout.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The soul of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, providing that deep nutty taste and luscious chewiness.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moistness and a hint of caramel flavor for the perfect cookie bar crumb.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and creates a soft, cohesive dough.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and brings out the best in both peanut butter and sugar.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of the bars, creating a sturdy yet tender bite.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a fluffy but dense treat.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little extra lift and keeps the bars soft.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
Peanut butter chips or chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Toss these in for extra bursts of flavor and a fun, melty texture.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

First things first, get your oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease—this makes releasing the bars a total breeze later on, and helps with cleanup too.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this is what gives the Peanut Butter Cookie Bars their dreamy texture. Once you’ve achieved that pale, creamy consistency, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl, and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This extra step helps distribute the leaveners and salt evenly through your dough, so every bite is just right.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the bars tough. If you want extra indulgence, now’s the time to fold in those peanut butter or chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the top looks golden and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, slightly underbaking yields that chewy center we all crave, and the bars will finish setting as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once cool, lift them out using the parchment, and slice into bars. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have the most inviting batch of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sometimes it’s the finishing touch that takes a dessert from great to unforgettable! Dust your bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or top each one with a few flaky sea salt crystals for that fancy (but totally easy) bakery-style flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee for the ultimate comfort. They also play well on a dessert platter with fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, or even a scoop of peanut butter for a double nutty punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few bars and wrap them up with baker’s twine for adorable gifts, or cut them smaller for homemade “cookie bites” to serve at parties. You can even crumble leftover bars over ice cream for a decadent sundae topping—the possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay wonderfully chewy and flavorful, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or snack attacks.

Freezing

To make your bars last even longer, freeze them! Layer the bars between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw individual bars at room temperature or give them a gentle zap in the microwave for a warm treat.

Reheating

If you love a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, just pop a Peanut Butter Cookie Bar into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chips get melty and the center softens up—just like they were baked that day!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture to the bars, giving each bite little bursts of nutty crunch. Just swap it in for a fun twist.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

Simply double every ingredient and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake as directed, but start checking for doneness around the same time—you may need just a few extra minutes in the oven.

Do I have to use peanut butter or chocolate chips?

Nope! The Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are delicious all on their own. The chips are totally optional, but they do add a little extra indulgence if you’re in the mood for it.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely. Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and make sure any other add-ins are also gluten-free. The bars will still turn out wonderfully chewy and flavorful.

Why are my bars dry or crumbly?

This usually means they were overbaked or too much flour was added. Be sure to measure the flour properly—scooping it with a spoon and leveling off—and pull the bars from the oven when they’re just golden and still a little soft in the center.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a warm Peanut Butter Cookie Bar fresh from the oven. I hope you give this easy-bake recipe a spot in your own kitchen rotation. They’re quick, versatile, and utterly delicious—perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply treating yourself!

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously chewy and flavorful, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat for peanut butter lovers. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup peanut butter chips or chocolate chips (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add chips: Fold in peanut butter chips or chocolate chips if desired.
Bake: Spread the dough in the pan and bake for 22–26 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and slice: Cool the bars in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars and let them finish setting as they cool.
You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American