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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/peanut-butter-cookie-bars-recipe/