Introduction

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a rich, chewy treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and sugar in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for a quick snack or sharing with friends, these bars offer the comforting taste of cookies with less fuss.

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 the 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, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and mix well.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder to combine evenly.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated but not overmixed.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 7: Bake for 28-32 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 and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, consider folding in 1 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips before baking.
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more robust peanut flavor.
If you like softer bars, check them at 25 minutes and remove when they are slightly underbaked.

Storage

Store the cookie bars tightly covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to a few weeks. To reheat, thaw and warm briefly in the microwave or oven for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a pleasant texture and extra crunch to the bars, enhancing the overall bite.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be just set in the center and lightly golden on the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy, as they will firm up as they cool.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

Delightfully rich and chewy peanut butter cookie bars that combine creamy peanut butter with the perfect balance of brown and white sugar. These bars are easy to make, baked to a soft finish, and perfect for sharing or packing as a sweet snack.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 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

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 or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will ensure even sweetness and texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined and a smooth batter forms—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Spread Batter in Pan: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 9 x 13 inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes or until the bars are just set and beginning to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy as they will firm up when cooled.
Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars to maintain their shape and texture.
Store Properly: Store the cooled cookie bars tightly covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze them for up to a few weeks for longer storage.

Notes

Do not overbake; the bars should be soft in the center as they firm up during cooling.
Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture; chunky peanut butter will alter the consistency.
For easier slicing, chill the bars briefly after cooling completely.
These bars freeze well; wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, Peanut Butter Bars, Soft Cookie Bars, Baked Peanut Butter Dessert, Easy Cookie Bars