Irresistible Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Published: March 28, 2025

by Chloe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring only simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates an unforgettable flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
Their visually appealing layers make them a showstopper at any gathering, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack, they fit seamlessly into any part of your day!

For more inspiration, check out this lazy girl pecan pie bars recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation for your cookie bars, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda: A little lift goes a long way; baking soda helps your bars rise perfectly.
Salt: Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness in the cookie bars.
Unsalted Butter: For that rich flavor and tender texture; be sure to let it soften before mixing.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with its caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness that makes these cookie bars irresistible! cinnamon sugar donut bread.
Eggs: Binding agents that help create that gooey texture we all love.
Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates flavors and adds warmth to your cookie bars.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show; choose creamy or crunchy based on your preference!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but feel free to mix in milk or dark chocolate for variety.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an ol’ trusty baking dish (9×13 inches works great) and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of those important leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm wrestler—whatever floats your boat!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should look like creamy clouds ready to envelop all those delicious ingredients.

Step 5: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Mix in the peanut butter until fully blended. The rich aroma will already have you dreaming about indulging in these sweet treats!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix! Now fold in those glorious chocolate chips like you’re welcoming them into a party.

Transfer this dreamy batter into your prepared baking dish evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges while still soft in the center—trust me; underbaking just adds to the gooey factor!

Let cool slightly before cutting into squares because patience is a virtue… though I won’t judge if you can’t resist diving right in!

Now picture yourself serving these Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at your next gathering or enjoying them after a long day at work with Netflix as your companion. Each bite promises joy wrapped up in nostalgia; what more could you ask for?

You Must Know

These gooey peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars combine the best of two worlds: chewy cookies and rich chocolate.
They are perfect for sharing, but I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself.
Ideal for lunch boxes or a late-night snack!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve gooey perfection, start by creaming your butter and sugars. While that’s happening, preheat your oven. Once mixed, add in your eggs and peanut butter before folding in the flour and chocolate chips. This sequence keeps everything smooth and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch or even white chocolate for a different flavor kick. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness of the bars. Customize them based on what tickles your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They will retain their gooey goodness!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure they blend well.
Avoid overmixing after adding flour; it makes the bars tough rather than chewy.
Lastly, let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Sometimes I whip up these gooey peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars when friends come over, and they vanish faster than my last slice of pizza—seriously! The smiles on their faces are worth every calorie!

FAQs :

Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a chewy, bar form. These cookie bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. The recipe typically features ingredients like peanut butter, brown sugar, flour, and chocolate chips, resulting in a soft and gooey texture that melts in your mouth. cinnamon sugar soft pretzels quick microwave mug cookie They are ideal for parties or as a sweet treat after dinner.

To keep your Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Yes, you can make several substitutions when preparing Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. If you want a healthier option, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts if desired. Remember that these changes may alter the flavor or texture slightly but can still result in delicious bars.

Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour blends instead of regular flour. To make them vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary requirements so everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.

In summary, Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate into a chewy delight. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. By following simple storage tips and making easy substitutions, you can customize these bars to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoying this dessert is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!