Introduction

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1¼ cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is evenly blended.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Step 7: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the bars are just set. Be careful not to overbake, as they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor.
To make the bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store your peanut butter cookie bars tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a few weeks in an airtight container. To enjoy after freezing, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, chunky peanut butter works well and will add bits of peanut throughout the bars for extra crunch.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when they are just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as they will firm up as they cool.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

Deliciously rich and chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. These bars are easy to make, baked to golden perfection, and ideal for sharing or enjoying as a tasty treat anytime.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars (approximately 2×2 inch squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1¼ cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick.
Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a creamy base.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing each until fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined into a smooth batter without overmixing.
Spread batter and bake: Spread the prepared batter evenly into the greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just firm. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.
Cool and store: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Store the bars tightly covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for up to several weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep bars soft and chewy.
Ensure butter is softened for easy creaming with sugars.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
Bars will firm up as they cool, so allow them to rest before slicing.
Can be stored covered on the counter for a day or two, or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, Peanut Butter Bars, Cookie Bars, Easy Dessert, Baked Cookies, Chewy Peanut Butter Bars