Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Welcome to a world where baking for a crowd doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or your precious time. Prepare to be delighted by our irresistibly easy and utterly delicious **Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars**! Imagine the chewy perfection of your favorite peanut butter cookies, generously studded with rich, melty chocolate chips, all baked in a single sheet pan. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite, making them the ultimate treat for any gathering, from lively potlucks and birthday parties to casual family get-togethers and busy weeknight desserts. Get ready to impress everyone with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!

Why Sheet Pan Baking is a Game-Changer for Busy Bakers

For anyone who loves the aroma of freshly baked cookies but dreads the endless scooping and multiple batches, sheet pan cookie bars are a revelation. This innovative approach to cookie baking transforms a time-consuming task into a simple, single-pan endeavor. Instead of meticulously shaping individual cookies, you simply spread the dough into a large baking sheet, bake it as one giant cookie, and then slice it into perfect, uniform squares. This method not only drastically cuts down on preparation and baking time but also simplifies cleanup.

The beauty of sheet pan cookies lies in their efficiency and consistency. Every bar emerges with that coveted chewy texture and golden-brown edges, making them a consistently delightful dessert. They’re incredibly versatile, adaptable to various occasions and flavor profiles, and they eliminate the need for specialized equipment like cookie scoops or intricate decorating tools. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, sheet pan cookies promise a stress-free experience without compromising on the homemade goodness everyone craves. They truly scream, “The more the merrier!” for any crowd you need to feed.

The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter and Chocolate

The pairing of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason – it’s a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, salty notes of peanut butter perfectly complement the sweet, sometimes slightly bitter, tones of chocolate. This dynamic duo creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. In these cookie bars, the creamy peanut butter provides a moist, tender base, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout. Each bite offers that perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and salty, making them incredibly satisfying and utterly addictive. These aren’t just any cookie bars; they’re an homage to one of the most beloved flavor combinations in the culinary world.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Creating these delightful cookie bars requires a few staple baking ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best results every time:

• Unsalted Butter, softened: Essential for richness and tenderness. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugars, incorporating air for a lighter texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Choose a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for consistent results and texture, rather than natural varieties which can separate.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and crispness at the edges.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its molasses content and contributes significantly to the chewy texture and moistness of the bars.
• Eggs: Act as binders, emulsifiers, and leavening agents, holding the dough together and adding to its richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that elevates the dessert.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of the cookie bars. Make sure to measure it correctly for the right consistency.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly and contributes to their tender crumb.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness, bringing out the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate. Don’t skip it!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The perfect contrast to the peanut butter. Semi-sweet chips melt beautifully and provide a balanced chocolate flavor. Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if preferred.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of the most delicious peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars that everyone will adore. Precision in baking leads to perfection!

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Generously spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan (half-sheet pan) with non-stick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes lifting the baked bars out of the pan incredibly easy. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, usually about 1-2 minutes. This creates a fluffy base for your dough. Next, add both the granulated sugar and the dark brown sugar to the mixture. Continue beating on medium speed until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture appears light and fluffy, typically 2-3 minutes. This aeration step is vital for a tender cookie bar. Finally, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookie bars. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Spread and Garnish: Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared sheet pan. Using an offset spatula or your hands (lightly floured if the dough is sticky), evenly spread the dough across the entire bottom of the pan. Press it down firmly to ensure an even thickness, which promotes uniform baking. For an extra enticing look, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top of the spread dough before baking.

6. Bake to Perfection: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Halfway through the baking time (around 10 minutes), rotate the pan 180 degrees. This helps ensure even baking, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookie bars are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter). Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bars.

7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step! Cutting warm cookie bars will result in crumbly, messy squares. Once thoroughly cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire slab of cookie bars from the pan. Slice them into 24 equal squares (or your preferred size). Serve and enjoy these deliciously chewy and chocolatey treats!

Tips for Achieving the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

While these bars are wonderfully forgiving, a few expert tips can elevate your baking and ensure perfectly delicious results every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the sugars, creating a smoother, more uniform dough and a lighter texture. If your butter isn’t soft enough, you can cut it into smaller pieces and let it sit for a few minutes, or microwave it for just 5-10 seconds.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookie bars instead of chewy ones.
• Use Parchment Paper: Seriously, don’t skip this! Parchment paper ensures your cookie bars won’t stick to the pan and makes for easy lifting and slicing once cooled. A slight overhang on the sides acts as “handles.”
• Even Spreading: Take a moment to spread the dough evenly across the sheet pan. This guarantees uniform thickness, leading to even baking and consistent texture in every bar.
• The Toothpick Test: For doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly after they’re removed from the oven.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the cookie bars to cool entirely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Warm bars will be soft and crumble easily, making neat cuts nearly impossible.

Creative Variations and Customization Ideas

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your liking! Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

• Different Chocolate Types: Experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips! Try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or even white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast. A mix of several types can also be wonderful.
• Add-ins for Texture: Introduce some crunch! Stir in chopped nuts like peanuts, pecans, or walnuts. Pretzels can add a delightful salty-sweet crunch, while mini marshmallows (added in the last 5 minutes of baking) can create gooey pockets.
• Candy Mix-ins: For an extra dose of fun, fold in your favorite chopped candy bars, M&M’s, or Reese’s Pieces. This is especially great for parties or themed events.
• Swirls and Toppings: Drizzle a little extra melted peanut butter or chocolate on top after baking for an artistic touch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking can also enhance the flavors beautifully. For a truly decadent treat, consider adding a simple chocolate ganache or a peanut butter frosting once the bars have cooled.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of chili powder (believe it or not, it enhances chocolate!) can add an unexpected depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

These cookie bars are incredibly versatile and perfect for almost any occasion. Here’s how you can serve them:

• Potlucks and Parties: Their sheet pan format makes them incredibly easy to transport and serve to a large group. Simply slice and arrange them on a platter.
• Kid-Friendly Treats: Pack them in lunchboxes, serve them after school, or bring them to sports events. Kids absolutely adore the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Dessert Platter: Cut them into smaller squares for a varied dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies or fruit tarts.
• With Coffee or Milk: A classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee makes these cookie bars an even more comforting treat.
• A la Mode: For an ultimate indulgence, serve a warm (or slightly warmed) cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, soft and creamy, is simply divine.

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are so delicious, they might not last long! But if you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and wonderful chewy texture.

To store cookie bars at room temperature: Once completely cooled, you can either leave them in the sheet pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious on the counter for up to five days. Make sure they are not exposed to air, as this can make them dry out quickly.

To freeze cookie bars for longer storage: These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected cravings. First, ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled. Then, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. For extra protection against freezer burn and to prevent sticking, you can place a sheet of parchment paper between each square or layer. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Place the bag or container in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw frozen cookie bars: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookie bars from the freezer. Thaw them loosely covered at room temperature for several hours until soft and ready to eat. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm and gooey, especially if serving with ice cream.

I hope you fall in love with these easy, chewy, and utterly delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars as much as I have. They embody everything a crowd-pleasing dessert should be: simple to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every face. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a truly sweet experience!

If you make these incredible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and how inspired and creative you get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every irresistible bite!

xoxo,

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

4 from 2 reviews

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie bars

Print Recipe

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Description

All the ease of a sheet pan treat with all the chewy goodness of your favorite peanut butter cookie. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for potlucks and parties!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 18×13-inch sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add both sugars and beat until well combined and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
3. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Spread cookie dough evenly into the prepared sheet pan. Garnish with more chocolate chips if desired.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 equal squares. Serve and enjoy!

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