Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
These easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are ultra soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. Unlike most bar recipes that turn out dry or cakey, this version is tested to stay fudgy every single time with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups creamy no-stir peanut butter
- ¼ cup salted butter (½ stick, room temperature)
- 1.5 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (small handful reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until completely smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking soda directly into the same bowl. Stir just until the flour disappears; do not overmix.
- Fold the chocolate chips (reserving a small handful for later) into the batter with a spatula.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased 7x11" baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes. The edges should be light golden brown, but the center will still look soft.
- Top and Cool: Remove from the oven, immediately sprinkle the remaining handful of chocolate chips over the top, and press them in gently. Let cool completely in the pan for 45–60 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use conventional creamy peanut butter (not natural peanut butter) for the best texture.
- Room temperature eggs mix more evenly and help prevent dense bars.
- Don't pack flour while measuring to avoid dry bars.
- Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked bars for up to 3-4 months if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 163IUCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg
