Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Indulgence for Peanut Butter & Chocolate Lovers 🍫🥜🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for the perfect dessert that combines rich peanut butter flavor with melty chocolate chips, look no further than these irresistible Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! This decadent treat offers the perfect balance of chewiness and gooeyness, making it ideal for any occasion – from family gatherings to late-night cravings. If you love easy yet impressive desserts, you’ll adore this recipe as much as our popular Millionaire Brownies or Butterbeer Cookies.

2. Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe uses simple pantry staples that combine to create magic in your oven. For more delicious baking inspiration, check out our complete collection of sweet recipes.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (we recommend natural peanut butter for best results)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (you can also use browned butter for extra flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (this adds moisture and richness)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for the perfect sweetness balance)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature for best incorporation)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes a difference)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly for perfect texture)
• 1 tsp baking powder (helps with the rise)
• ½ tsp salt (enhances all the flavors)
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (we prefer a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that perfect gooey texture in your final bars. For more baking tips, explore our snack recipes section.

Step 2: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This prevents the batter from becoming too dense. Then add the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. The vanilla enhances all the other flavors in these delicious bars. If you love vanilla desserts, you might enjoy our White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters too!

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough bars, so be gentle. For more cookie recipes using similar techniques, browse our cookie collection.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Bake

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top if desired. Transfer the dough to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked – this ensures that perfect gooey texture. For another amazing bar recipe, try our Easter Crack.

4. Tips for Perfect Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Use high-quality peanut butter – Natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt works best for flavor and texture. Avoid brands with added oils or sugars.
• Don’t overbake – The bars will continue to set as they cool. Removing them when the center still looks slightly underdone ensures that perfect gooey texture.
• Let them cool completely – As hard as it may be to wait, allowing the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes makes them easier to cut and enhances the texture.
• Add sea salt on top – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking creates an amazing sweet-and-salty contrast.
• Line your pan with parchment – This makes removal and cleanup much easier.

5. Variations & Substitutions

This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some delicious variations:

• Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (we recommend one with xanthan gum).
• Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a school-safe version.
• Extra chocolatey: Add an extra ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks, or swirl in some melted chocolate before baking.
• Crunchy texture: Mix in ½ cup of chopped peanuts, pretzel pieces, or even potato chips for a surprising crunch.
• Healthier option: Reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and use dark chocolate chips for a slightly less sweet version.

6. Serving Suggestions

While these Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, here are some ways to make them even more special:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible ice cream sundae experience
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence
• Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for breakfast (we won’t judge!)
• Cut into small squares and serve as part of a dessert platter

7. Storage & Freezing

Proper storage ensures your cookie bars stay fresh and delicious:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
• Reheating: For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your bars a delightful texture with peanut bits throughout.
• Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Bake up to 2 days in advance.
• Why are my bars too crumbly? This usually means they were overbaked. Next time, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes. Also ensure you’re using enough peanut butter and eggs for moisture.
• Can I double this recipe? Definitely! Use a larger baking sheet or two 9×13 pans. You may need to adjust baking time slightly.
• What’s the best way to cut clean bars? Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. For perfect squares, chill the bars briefly before cutting.

9. Conclusion

These Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly the ultimate comfort dessert, combining two classic flavors in one irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe delivers perfect results every time. The rich peanut butter flavor paired with melty chocolate chips creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist. For more baking inspiration, check out this similar recipe from Taffey Bakery.

We’d love to hear how your bars turned out! Share your creations with us and explore more delicious recipes in our dessert category. Happy baking! 🍪✨

Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are irresistibly rich and decadent, combining creamy peanut butter with melty chocolate chips for the ultimate dessert. Perfectly chewy and packed with flavor, these bars are quick to make and impossible to resist. Ideal for parties, bake sales, or a sweet treat anytime!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

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• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until creamy.
3. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.
4. Stir in chocolate chips, then spread dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden but center is slightly soft. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

• Use high-quality peanut butter for best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overbake—bars should be slightly soft in the center.
• Let cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
• Add sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian