Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars are easy to make and offer a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack.

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
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder to combine.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and forms a batter.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Step 7: Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the bars are just set. Avoid overbaking, as they will firm up while cooling.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips before baking.
• If you prefer a nuttier flavor, use natural peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Be careful not to overbake; the bars should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Storage

Store the peanut butter cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to a few weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you like them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer added texture in the bars. It will give a slightly different mouthfeel but should work well.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

They should be just set with a slightly soft center. The edges may start to pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

Deliciously rich and chewy peanut butter cookie bars that combine creamy peanut butter, brown and white sugars, and a tender crumb. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars bake to a golden finish with a soft center that firms up as they cool.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and set it aside to make sure your cookie bars don’t stick after baking.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures a creamy base for your bars.
3. Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, making the batter rich and flavorful.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Spread and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the bars are set but still slightly soft in the middle. Do not overbake as the bars will firm up while cooling.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps achieve clean cuts and perfect texture.
8. Store: Store the bars tightly covered at room temperature for a day or two, or freeze them for up to a few weeks to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Do not overbake to keep the bars chewy and moist rather than dry and crumbly.
• Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture; chunky can be used if preferred for extra crunch.
• Cooling completely before cutting is crucial to prevent the bars from falling apart.
• These bars freeze well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• For a chocolate twist, consider topping with chocolate chips right before baking or drizzling melted chocolate over cooled bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter bars, peanut butter cookie bars, easy cookie bars, dessert bars, chewy peanut butter bars