Peanut Butter Cookie Bars The Ultimate Chewy Nutty Treat

Love peanut butter? These peanut butter cookie bars are chewy, nutty, and so easy to love!

You get soft cookie bars packed with peanut butter flavor and a sweet, golden top. Every bite is rich, gooey, and full of yum.

Perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or just a cozy treat. No rolling, no scooping—just bake and slice!

Grab a bowl and some peanut butter—let’s bake up these chewy cookie bars today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, Chewy, and Buttery: Perfectly thick bars with golden edges and a soft center.
• Fast and Simple: One bowl, no chilling, no scooping—just mix, spread, and bake.
• Nutty and Rich: Made with creamy peanut butter and brown sugar for deep, cozy flavor.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and grown-ups alike—great for after-school snacks or casual parties.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, swirl in jelly, or top with flaky salt—your call.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings:
Makes 16 cookie bars (cut into 2-inch squares) — perfect for a small gathering or to save for snacks.

Difficulty:
Super easy! This recipe is beginner-friendly with no special equipment required.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier lifting)
• Oven and cooling rack

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These simple ingredients come together for that classic peanut butter flavor with the perfect chewy texture:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Variations for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• Chunky Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt extra chocolate and drizzle it over the top after baking.
• Jelly Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of jam on top before baking and swirl for a PB&J twist.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
• Skip the Chocolate: Leave out the chocolate chips for a more classic, pure peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and coconut sugar (or brown sugar) until smooth and creamy. Add maple syrup, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the self-rising flour until no streaks remain. The dough will be thick but smooth.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently mix in the chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon.

5. Spread and Smooth

Scoop the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press and spread it into an even layer all the way to the corners.

6. Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper (if used), then slice into 16 squares.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• Warm: Serve slightly warm with a glass of milk.
• Chilled: Refrigerate for a firmer, fudgier texture.
• With Ice Cream: Top with vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a dessert twist.
• Drizzled: Add melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce before serving.

Storing Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temp before serving for best texture.
• Freeze: Place sliced bars in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Pull them out when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Line the Pan: Parchment makes it easy to lift the whole slab out for neat slicing.
• Use Room Temp Ingredients: Especially the butter and egg—this helps everything mix evenly.
• Mix Gently: Don’t overwork the flour; mix just until combined for soft, tender bars.
• Customize Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you like your treats.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	195
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	20g
Sugar	12g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	95mg

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. Natural peanut butter can make the bars slightly more crumbly, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon of flour if needed.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
You can make your own: use 1 cup of all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder + 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and check that your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are one of those desserts you’ll find yourself making over and over again. They’re easy, comforting, and always a hit—especially when you want that peanut buttery goodness without the hassle of scooping cookie dough. With minimal cleanup and a chewy center that’s practically addictive, this recipe checks all the right boxes.

So go ahead—bake a batch, slice them warm, and enjoy with a cold glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee. Whether for a weeknight treat, lunchbox surprise, or just because, these bars always hit the sweet spot.

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