Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These dreamy peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars are everything you want in a treat.

They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate and nutty flavor. 

I love that they’re something you can whip up without much fuss, but they still feel so special.

Slice them big or small, enjoy them warm or at room temp—either way, these cookie bars will disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Time-Saving Treat: These cookie bars eliminate the need to scoop and shape individual cookies. They’re perfect for busy bakers who want homemade treats without the hassle.

Irresistible Sweet & Nutty Taste: You really can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a sweet, nutty, iconic flavor combo everyone will love. 

Make-Ahead Friendly: The baked bars stay fresh for days when stored properly. Or you can make the dough and keep it chilled/frozen until ready.

Customizable: While chocolate chips create a picture-perfect topping, you can easily switch things up with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or melted white chocolate.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and helps the bars stay moist.

• Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar creates crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.

• Eggs: A whole egg and a yolk act as a binder and provide structure. The yolk keeps things moist and tender.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers classic nutty flavor. Use regular smooth PB, not natural, which is oily and will make the dough dry.

• Pure Vanilla Extract & Salt: Enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: Form the foundation of the bars.

• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly so they’re not too dense.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide rich chocolate flavor and create melty pockets throughout the bars.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and these cookie bars are proof.

The buttery, slightly crisp edges pair beautifully with the gooey, chocolate-studded center—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

Check out these easy steps:

1. PREHEAT the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

2. BEAT the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, yolk, and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended.

3. MIX the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.

4. COMBINE the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring gently until halfway mixed. Add the chocolate chips and mix until just combined.

5. PRESS the dough into the baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set.

6. COOL completely in the pan. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

This is the kind of dessert that has people sneaking back into the kitchen for just one more piece.

And if you want to make the perfect every time, read these tips!

• Sift the dry ingredients. Whisk or sift the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This prevents lumps and ensures that the dough is evenly mixed.

• Avoid over-mixing the dough. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until combined with no streaks. Otherwise, your bars may be tough. 

• Save a few chocolate chips. Sprinkle them over the bars right out of the oven. They’ll melt slightly and give them a nice finish.

• Bake until slightly underdone. Aim for a golden top and moist crumbs on a toothpick. This keeps the bars soft and chewy since they’ll cook a little as they cool.

• Cool completely before cutting. Let the bars fully set in the pan to avoid crumbling and ensure clean slices.

• Tips for thicker bars. Use a 9×9-inch pan and bake slightly longer for denser, more indulgent bars.

• Experiment with mix-ins. Try chopped peanuts, mini pretzels, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or white chocolate chips.

How to Store

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make treat with mega flavor payoff, this is it.

They’re quick to whip up and even easier to enjoy.

And yes, they store well, too!

To Store: Place the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. Store at room temp for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

To Freeze the Bars: Wrap the cooled bars individually in plastic wrap. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for 2-3 months.

To Freeze the Dough: Press the dough into a disc and double wrap it in plastic. Place into a freezer bag and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

More Cookie Bars You Have to Try

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Magic Cookie Bars
Monster Cookie Bars