Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Whip up these yummy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in no time. They’re easy to make and great for sharing. These bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, making them ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. With their chewy texture and sweet taste, these cookie bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delightful bars ready to bake.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of peanut butter and chocolate chips creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a snack at home, these bars fit right in.
• Easy to Share: Cut into squares, these cookie bars are easy to pack and share with friends and family.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or other types of chips to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking for perfect cookie bars.
• Electric mixer: Makes it easier to cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.

Ingredients

Whip up these yummy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in no time. They’re easy to make and great for sharing.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 1/2 cups (255g) peanut butter chips
– 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix together:
* 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour,
* 1 teaspoon of baking powder,
* 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.

Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In another bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix:
* 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter,
* 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Add Sugars

Gradually add:
* 3/4 cup of granulated sugar,
* 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add:
* 2 large eggs
one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in:
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

until fully combined.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in:
* 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter chips,
* 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 9: Spread Dough in Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. A toothpick should come out mostly clean when inserted into the center.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift it out. Cut into squares once fully cooled. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the peanut butter complements the cold milk perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars topped with your favorite ice cream. The heat from the cookie bars will melt the ice cream, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat. This light topping balances the richness of the bars beautifully.

Drizzled with Chocolate Syrup

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate syrup adds indulgence. It enhances the flavor while giving an appealing look.

As Party Favors

• Cut into smaller squares and package them as party favors. These sweet treats are great for birthdays or gatherings!

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

To ensure your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Mixing soft butter and eggs helps achieve a smooth batter consistency.
• Measure flour correctly: Avoid packing flour into your measuring cup for accurate measurements; spoon it into the cup instead.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and chewy.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out mostly clean for perfectly baked bars.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing cooling helps maintain their shape and makes cutting easier.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

When serving these cookie bars, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that will elevate your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookie bars beautifully.

2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with peanut butter flavors.

3. Chocolate Milkshake
   A rich chocolate milkshake intensifies the dessert experience and is a fun treat alongside cookie bars.

4. Coffee or Espresso
   A warm beverage like coffee enhances the flavors and provides a delightful contrast to sweet treats.

5. Peanut Butter Smoothie
   Blend bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter for a smoothie that complements the cookie bar flavors perfectly.

6. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses to balance sweetness with savory elements, creating an interesting taste combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when baking Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense texture. Ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
• Not Cooling Before Cutting: Cutting into warm bars can make them crumble. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing for perfect squares.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Baking directly in the pan can lead to sticking. Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have some questions about making these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Here are some answers.

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean but with some moist crumbs.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give a richer flavor that pairs well with peanut butter.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute it with granulated sugar, but the bars may lack some depth of flavor and chewiness that brown sugar provides.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly. They’re also versatile; feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or other types of chips. Give this recipe a try, and impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make bars!