Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make, require no fancy equipment, and bake up perfectly in a single pan. With their golden edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars are a must-try for any peanut butter lover!

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter . Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat them together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour , baking powder , and salt .
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. If using, fold in the chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

Step 5: Spread the Dough

1. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, uniform layer.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
3. Serve as-is or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

Tips for Success

• Peanut Butter Choice: Use a no-stir creamy peanut butter for consistent texture. Natural peanut butter can work but may alter the consistency slightly.
• Add-Ins: Customize these bars with chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week .
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic peanut butter cookies, offering all the same flavors in a convenient bar form. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and deliver a satisfying balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a treat, these bars are sure to please.

Indulge in these rich, chewy delights—they’re peanut butter perfection in every bite!