These Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With a soft, chewy texture, a rich peanut butter flavor, and melty chocolate chips in every bite, these bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence. Best of all, they come together quickly and require no special equipment—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Gooey & Chewy: Soft, buttery, and loaded with melty chocolate.
- One-Bowl Recipe: Easy cleanup with minimal effort.
- No Chill Time: Mix and bake right away.
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate Heaven: A classic flavor combo in bar form.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter (melted)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool & Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Extra Crunchy: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Swirl Effect: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the batter before baking.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter.
- Salted Caramel Addition: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for extra indulgence.
- Oatmeal Version: Replace ½ cup of flour with oats for a chewy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but mix it well before using, as the oil separation can affect the texture.
How do I make these extra gooey?
Slightly underbake them and let them cool for a fudgy texture.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, a 9×13-inch pan will make thinner bars, so reduce baking time slightly.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped peanuts or walnuts add a great crunch.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but milk or dark chocolate is also delicious.
How do I prevent dry cookie bars?
Make sure not to overbake, as they will continue setting after being removed from the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time to 30-35 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
No, you can mix everything by hand with a whisk and spatula.
Can I add a peanut butter drizzle?
Yes! Melt peanut butter and drizzle it over the cooled bars for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the best of peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip bars in one irresistible treat. Whether you make them for a gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!
Description
These soft, gooey, and ultra-chocolatey peanut butter cookie bars are a dream come true! They have a chewy cookie texture, a rich peanut butter flavor, and are loaded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for any peanut butter lover!
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
3. Bake the Bars
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft and gooey.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
✔ Extra gooey? Slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
✔ Crunchy twist? Add chopped peanuts or pretzels for extra texture.
✔ Drizzle alert! Top with melted peanut butter or chocolate for even more decadence.
✔ Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.