Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are dessert bars with a layer of creamy peanut butter sandwiched between two layers of chocolate chip cookies. The combination of flavors and textures between the sweet and nutty peanut butter, the gooey chocolate chips, and the cookie layers creates a delicious and indulgent treat! (I could not stop eating these…) I also have Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars with a layer of caramel instead of the peanut butter that you will also want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter provides moisture, flavor, and richness to the dessert bars. Make sure it is at room temperature to allow it to mix well with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If using salted butter, you may want to lessen or omit the amount of salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: Using only brown sugar in these bars offers sweetness, moisture, and a caramel-like flavor. This enhances the overall taste alongside the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips in this recipe. You could also use chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks. However, you could try the bars with milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips for even more peanut butter flavor, or your favorite kind of candy chips.
Peanut Butter: I prefer a layer of creamy peanut butter in these bars. However, crunchy peanut butter would also be delicious and add an extra bit of texture.
Can I Add Nuts Or Other Mix-Ins To The Bars?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts (such as peanuts or walnuts), shredded coconut, toffee bits, or any other mix-ins you enjoy. Just be mindful of the quantities so that the bars don’t become too dense or overwhelming.
Can I Make The Cookie Dough Ahead Of Time?
Certainly, you have the option to prepare the cookie dough ahead of time to get a head start on these peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars. Once the dough is thoroughly mixed, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for 2-3 days. Before making the bars, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for around 15-20 minutes.
Can I Use A Different Sized Pan?
Sure! I opted for a 9×13-inch baking dish to create thicker bars. Yet, a 10×15-inch sheet pan is also suitable for slightly thinner bars. While the baking time will decrease, the ingredient measurements remain the same. Alternatively, experimenting with a cast-iron skillet offers an appealing display. However, it’s wise to watch the bars closely, as the baking time may need to be adjusted.
How To Store Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.
Room Temperature: Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will last up to 2-3 days.
To Refrigerate: If preferred, you can store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5-7 days.
To Freeze: For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually or in layers with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, frozen hot fudge chocolate chip cookie bars can maintain their quality for about 2 to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the desired number of bars to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw gradually.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (364 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups (387 g) peanut butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- To a large bowl, add butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand-held mixer, cream ingredients until they are light and fluffy. Add in eggs, mixing until completely incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix at low speed until combined.
- Mix in the chocolate chips.
- Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Set the remaining cookie dough aside.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cookie bars from the oven and place on a heat-safe surface.
- Pour the melted peanut butter over the cookie layer, making sure to get it into every nook and cranny.
- Using the remaining cookie dough, form small discs and place them over the top of the peanut butter. It is okay if there is some peanut butter showing.
- Bake for an additional 20-23 minutes, or until the peanut butter is bubbling and the cookie is golden brown.
- Allow bars to cool to room temperature and then cut and serve.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Peanut butter chocolate chip fans are in for a treat with this bar! The cookie is soft and the peanut butter layer is perfection!
Elizabeth
This is my favorite version of this dessert bar that we have (and we also have one with fudge and caramel). All of them are amazing, but the peanut butter with the chocolate and soft cookie bar layers was dessert perfection!
Bella
Yummm! Peanut butter pairs amazingly with chocolate and cookies! This is definitely a rich dessert but it is delicious.
Annabelle
These were perfect for me! I loved the soft cookie base and the thick peanut butter! The flavors go sooo well together!!
Rachael
Peanut butter with anything chocolate is right up my alley. Chocolate chip cookie bars with peanut butter filling is amazing! Definitely try these out if you love chocolate and peanut butter!
Selena
I loved the perfect chocolate chip cookie base on these bars and the contrast of the salty peanut butter. It really is a perfect sweet and salty treat.
I can’t wait to try this recipe 😋My grandkids will love them!
I cannot print any of your recipes from my iPad by clicking on your recipe links which take me to your website. Any suggestions for printing from iPad? I’m able to print from other websites. Thanks!
Yes! Sorry, it is a facebook glitch- when you open my website coming from FB the print button does nothing. If you open any of my recipes in your browser (like Chrome or Firefox) you will be able to print just fine.
Delicious plan to make these soon.