Your New Go-To Dessert is Here: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars!

Hey there, friend! Come on in, grab an apron, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most incredible, heartwarming aroma. Is there anything quite like the smell of peanut butter and sugar baking together? It’s the smell of happiness, of after-school snacks, of cozy weekends, and of pure, unadulterated joy. If you’re like me and your heart does a little happy dance at the thought of a soft, chewy, profoundly peanut-buttery treat, then you, my dear, have just found your new baking best friend.

Today, we’re making the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. Imagine the very best part of a perfect peanut butter cookie—that slightly crisp edge giving way to a dense, melt-in-your-mouth, impossibly soft center—but in glorious, no-fuss bar form. No rolling, no scooping, just press and bake! They’re buttery, rich, and layered with so much nutty flavor, all finished with a luscious peanut butter topping and an optional (but highly recommended) chocolatey crunch.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a last-minute potluck, stashing a few in a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, or satisfying a serious late-night craving, this recipe is your ticket to dessert heaven. It’s simple, forgiving, and delivers massive flavor with minimal effort. So, let’s preheat that oven and create some magic together!

The Story Behind the Bar: A Tale of Two Sisters and One Jar of PB

This recipe isn’t just a list of ingredients to me; it’s a direct line back to my childhood kitchen, specifically to my big sister, Emma. Emma was the official family baker, and I was her ever-eager, flour-covered sous-chef. Our favorite after-school ritual involved a giant jar of peanut butter, a wooden spoon, and a mission to create something delicious before our parents got home.

One rainy Tuesday, we were craving peanut butter cookies, but we were too impatient to wait for the dough to chill, let alone scoop out dozens of individual cookies. In a stroke of what we thought was pure genius, we decided to just press all the dough into a pan and see what happened. The result was a thick, puffy, wonderfully chewy peanut butter slab that we immediately topped with a handful of chocolate chips we found in the pantry. We ate it warm, straight from the pan with forks, laughing as the melted chocolate and peanut butter created a glorious mess. That happy accident became our secret recipe, and this bar is the polished, slightly more grown-up (but just as soul-satisfying) version of that cherished memory.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Peanut Butter Lover’s Guide

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now! Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a few chef-y insights to help you understand the “why” behind the “what.”

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly. “Softened” is key here! You should be able to press your finger into it easily. If it’s melted, your bars will be greasy; if it’s too cold, they won’t cream properly. Pro tip: To quickly soften butter, cut it into chunks and let it sit at room temp for 20-30 minutes.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – This is our structure-sugar. It helps the bars spread slightly and gives them a lovely, delicate crispness around the edges.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar – Hello, moisture and chew! The molasses in brown sugar is the secret weapon for that soft, dense texture we’re after. Make sure to pack it firmly into your measuring cup.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – For the dough. I prefer a standard, no-stir creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for this. The stabilizers help create a consistent texture. Natural peanut butters can be used, but see the FAQ section for tips!
1 large egg – Our binder! It brings everything together and adds richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature to blend seamlessly into the creamed butter and sugar.
1 tsp vanilla extract – The flavor enhancer. It deepens all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation. I use unbleached all-purpose flour for a tender crumb.
1/2 tsp baking powder – This is our leavening agent, giving the bars just a little lift and a cakey-soft texture, without making them puff up like a cake.
1/4 tsp salt – Crucial for balancing all that sweetness and making the peanut butter flavor pop. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce this to a pinch.
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping) – Yes, more peanut butter! Spreading this on the warm bars creates a dreamy, slightly melted, irresistible layer. You can use the same kind as in the dough.
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional topping) – Because peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The residual heat from the bars will melt them perfectly.
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces (optional topping) – For a little crunch and an extra peanutty or fun, colorful finish!

Let’s Get Baking: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Ready to make some magic? Follow these steps, and you’ll be a peanut butter bar pro in no time. I’ve sprinkled in all my favorite tips and hacks to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every single time.

Preheat and Prep. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is non-negotiable for even baking! Then, grab your 8×8-inch baking pan. I’m a huge fan of lining it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on two sides. This creates a “sling” that lets you lift the entire slab of bars out for effortless, crumb-free cutting. If you don’t have parchment, just give the pan a good greasing with butter or non-stick spray.
Cream the Good Stuff. In a large bowl, combine your softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Now, here’s a chef’s secret: cream them together for a good 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. You’re not just mixing; you’re aerating. The mixture should become light, pale, and fluffy. This step is the foundation for that perfect soft-yet-dense texture.
Incorporate the Wet Team. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula (a little habit that ensures everything gets mixed evenly). Add the 1/2 cup of peanut butter, the egg, and the vanilla extract. Mix on medium until the batter is smooth and beautifully uniform. It will smell absolutely divine already.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is important here—it evenly distributes the baking powder so you don’t get any bitter pockets in your finished bars.
Bring It All Together. Now, with your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour disappears and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bars tough. A few streaks of flour are fine; you can always fold them in with your spatula.
Press and Perfect. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. It will be thick! Use your fingers, the bottom of a measuring cup, or a small offset spatula to press it into a perfectly even layer. I like to lightly grease the bottom of my measuring cup to prevent sticking. An even layer means every bar will bake at the same rate.
Bake to Golden Bliss. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a top that looks set. The center might still look a tiny bit soft, but that’s what we want! It will firm up as it cools, giving you that dreamy, chewy center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
The Magic Topping Step. As soon as the pan comes out of the oven, drop little spoonfuls of the remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter over the hot surface. Wait about 2-3 minutes for it to warm up and become spreadable, then use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread it into an even, glossy layer. The warmth of the bar will help it melt and adhere beautifully.
Add the Final Flourish. While the peanut butter topping is still warm and soft, sprinkle on your chocolate chips and chopped peanuts or Reese’s Pieces, if using. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate chips, making them perfect for swirling or just letting them set into a delicious, chunky topping.
The Hardest Part: Wait. I know, I know. The aroma is intoxicating, and you want to dive in immediately. But trust me on this: you must let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly, making them easy to slice and giving them that ideal chewy texture. I usually let mine cool for at least 2 hours. For super clean cuts, you can even pop the entire pan into the fridge for 30 minutes after it has cooled to room temperature.
Slice and Savor! Once completely cool, use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 beautiful squares. Then, pour yourself a tall glass of milk and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Serving Up the Smiles

How you serve these is half the fun! For a classic treat, just stack them on a pretty plate and watch them disappear. Feeling fancy? Crumble a bar over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate à la mode experience. They’re also fantastic slightly warmed for about 10 seconds in the microwave, which turns the peanut butter and chocolate topping into a gooey, heavenly sauce. No matter how you serve them, be prepared for recipe requests and happy sighs from everyone who tries one.

Get Creative! Fun Flavor Twists

Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get playful! Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix things up:

Peanut Butter Cup Explosion: Stir 1 cup of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the dough instead of using the toppings.
Jammy Thumbprint: Before baking, make small indentations in the dough and fill them with your favorite jam or jelly for a PB&J bar!
Gluten-Free Goodness: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture is virtually identical.
White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips and top with dried cranberries for a sweet and tangy twist.
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey base.

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Few Parting Thoughts

This recipe has been with me for years, evolving from that childhood kitchen experiment into the reliable, beloved treat it is today. I’ve made it for countless parties, potlucks, and “just because” days. I once even made a quadruple batch for my best friend’s wedding shower, and let me tell you, they were a bigger hit than the fancy catered appetizers!

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility and forgiving nature. Don’t have brown sugar? Use all white. Out of vanilla? They’ll still be delicious. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s the joy of creating something homemade and heartwarming. So, don’t stress over every little detail. Embrace the slightly messy apron, lick the spoon, and share these bars with someone you love. That’s what cooking is all about for me.

Your Questions, Answered!

Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are the most common ones to help you on your baking journey!

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: You can, but with a caveat! Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) can make the bars a bit more oily and can sometimes affect the texture, making them denser or grainier. If it’s all you have, make sure you stir it incredibly well until it’s completely homogeneous before measuring. For the most consistent results, I highly recommend a standard, shelf-stable creamy peanut butter.

Q: My bars came out really crumbly. What happened?
A: Crumbly bars are usually a sign of either over-measuring the flour or over-baking. When measuring flour, the best method is to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour. Also, remember that the bars continue to cook as they cool, so if the edges are golden and the center looks just set, they’re done!

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This is a fantastic question for when you’re feeding a crowd. Simply double all the ingredients and press the dough into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Your baking time might need to be increased by 3-5 minutes, so keep an eye on it until the top is golden and set.

Q: How should I store these, and can I freeze them?
A: Store your cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze like a dream! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars : Your Next Addictive Treat

Author: OliviaBennett

Print Recipe

Description

If you love peanut butter cookies but don’t want the hassle of rolling and scooping, these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are your new favorite treat! Buttery, soft, and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor — they’re baked in one pan and topped with a dreamy layer of warm peanut butter and optional melted chocolate. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy afternoon snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

½ cup creamy peanut butter (for spreading on top)
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped peanuts or Reese’s Pieces (optional for crunch)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in ½ cup peanut butter, the egg, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined — don’t overmix.
Press and Bake:
Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set. A few moist crumbs on a toothpick are perfect.
Add Peanut Butter Topping:
Immediately after removing from the oven, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the warm surface. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then spread evenly to create a smooth, glossy layer.
Add Chocolate and Peanuts (Optional):
Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts (or Reese’s Pieces) over the warm peanut butter layer.
Cool Completely:
Allow bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before slicing — this helps them firm up and ensures perfect, chewy texture.
Slice and Serve:
Lift out using the parchment overhang, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy!

Notes

Softened butter is key — it should dent easily when pressed, not melted.
Do not overbake! Slightly underdone centers turn out soft and chewy after cooling.
For clean slices, chill bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
To make ahead, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 210 cal Per Bar
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Nutritional Information

Please note: These are estimates based on the ingredients used and may vary with specific brands or substitutions.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Dessert

So there you have it—your new secret weapon for instant joy, straight from my family’s kitchen to yours. These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a reminder that the simplest recipes, born from a little impatience and a lot of love, are often the ones that stick with us for a lifetime.

I hope this recipe becomes a cornerstone in your own collection, a reliable delight for busy weekdays and celebratory weekends alike. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy techniques or obscure ingredients to create something truly magical. All you need is a jar of peanut butter, a few pantry staples, and the willingness to create a little mess and a lot of memories.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you add your own twist? Did your kitchen fill with that incredible, heartwarming aroma? Share your creations and stories with me. Happy baking!