Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

It all started with a craving—one of those unstoppable, gotta-have-it-now urges for something rich, sweet, and undeniably peanut buttery. I rummaged through my kitchen, hoping for inspiration, and there it was: a jar of peanut butter, a bag of chocolate chips, and the last bit of brown sugar tucked in the corner of my pantry. The stars had aligned for a batch of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars.

These bars are a dream come true for peanut butter lovers. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie base, a thick layer of creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth, chocolatey topping that melts in your mouth. They’re everything you love about peanut butter cookies but in bar form—easier, faster, and even more irresistible.

I’ve made these for bake sales, family gatherings, and the occasional “treat yourself” moment (no regrets). What I love most? They come together in just a few steps, no fancy equipment needed. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these bars are foolproof and absolutely delicious.

Short Description

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine a soft cookie base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate topping in one easy-to-make dessert. They’re rich, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Tools Needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• Parchment paper or foil
• Microwave-safe bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bars may become dense. Press about 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread this evenly over the cookie base, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Add the Cookie Crumble Topping

Crumble the reserved dough over the peanut butter layer to create a golden, crumbly topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled bars. Let set at room temperature or in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Quick – No complicated techniques, just mix, layer, and bake.

Rich & Satisfying – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness.

Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or a simple weekend indulgence.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can make the base tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.

2. Using Natural Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter can be too runny or dry. Stick with classic creamy peanut butter for the best consistency.

3. Not Letting the Chocolate Set
If you slice too soon, the chocolate will smear. Let it cool completely for clean-cut bars.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

– Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– Cut into bite-sized pieces for a party platter.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.

Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

For a warm treat, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds to soften the chocolate topping.

FAQs

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

2. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Absolutely! It adds extra texture to the filling.

3. How do I prevent my bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang makes removal easy.

4. What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

5. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate gives a richer, less sweet flavor.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the chocolate before it sets.
– If you love salted chocolate, add a pinch of sea salt on top.
– Let the bars chill in the fridge before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars – Swirl 1/4 cup of your favorite jam into the peanut butter layer before adding the crumble topping.

Nutella Swirl Bars – Replace half of the peanut butter filling with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars – Swap 1/2 cup of flour for quick oats for a chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

Biting into one of these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars feels like pure comfort—like a peanut butter cup, but softer, richer, and packed with homemade goodness. They strike the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and crumbly. Best of all, they’re ridiculously easy to make.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment!), these bars will never disappoint. So go ahead, grab that jar of peanut butter, and get baking. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.