These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are rich, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. The perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate makes these bars irresistibly decadent and satisfying. Whether I’m baking for a gathering, a holiday treat tray, or just to satisfy a personal craving, these bars never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and quick this recipe is—no fancy equipment or complicated techniques required. The texture is soft and chewy, and the flavor is everything I want in a dessert: sweet, nutty, and full of melty chocolate. They’re perfect for making ahead, freeze beautifully, and are always a crowd-pleaser.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Peanut butter
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
directions
- I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, I cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- I add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Then I fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
- I spread the thick batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- I bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- I let the bars cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars and takes roughly 40 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes to bake. It’s perfect for sharing or storing for a sweet bite throughout the week.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or what I’m craving:
- I sometimes use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a twist.
- I’ll stir in chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking adds a lovely contrast.
- For a gluten-free version, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
storage/reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I check if the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but I make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time by a few extra minutes.
Can I use other types of nut butter?
Yes, almond or cashew butter work well, though they change the flavor profile a bit. I pick what I’m in the mood for.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
To make them dairy-free, I use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan chocolate chips. The texture stays close to the original.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are everything I love about a comforting dessert—easy to make, rich in flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m whipping them up for guests or just treating myself, they always hit the spot.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These rich, chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars combine creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate chips for the ultimate indulgent treat. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or freezer-friendly snacks, this easy bar recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Substitute white or dark chocolate chips for variation.
- Add chopped peanuts for crunch or sea salt on top after baking for contrast.
- For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Natural peanut butter can be used if well-stirred.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
