Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips, baked into soft, chewy bars. Perfect for sharing or indulging, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 cup peanut butter, stirring until smooth.
3. Add in 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Stir in 2 eggs and 2 tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
10. Enjoy your rich and chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars. The total time for preparation and baking is about 40-45 minutes, with active preparation taking around 15 minutes.

Variations

• Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Add chopped nuts, like peanuts or walnuts, for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate oatmeal for a heartier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the bars.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
   You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
4. How can I tell when the bars are done?
   The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
5. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
   Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
6. What is the best way to cut these bars?
   Use a sharp knife and consider spraying it with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Can I add other flavors, like chocolate extract?
   Yes, you can enhance the flavor with a splash of chocolate or almond extract.
8. What can I use as a topping?
   Drizzling melted chocolate or caramel on top can elevate the dessert even further.
9. Are these bars suitable for kids?
   Absolutely! They are a kid-friendly treat that is easy to make and delicious to eat.
10. What’s the best way to serve these bars?
    Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an easy-to-make treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a delicious bar form. With their rich taste and chewy texture, these bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Bake a batch today and enjoy this irresistible dessert!