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Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 72 reviews

These Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars combine creamy peanut butter, rich brown sugar, and melty chocolate chips into a soft, chewy, and irresistible treat. Perfectly baked to golden edges, these bars are simple to prepare and ideal for sharing or enjoying as a delicious snack any time of day.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (200g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, use a no-stir brand)
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour

Add-ins

  • 3 cups chocolate chips (or a mix of any add-ins you like)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream the butter and peanut butter: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add sugar and mix: Add the brown sugar to the peanut butter mixture and continue to beat until the texture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Incorporate wet ingredients and leavening: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, milk, salt, and baking soda until everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Combine dry ingredients and add-ins: Slowly stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips or any other chosen mix-ins until evenly distributed in the dough.
  6. Press dough into pan and bake: Spread and press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil edges. Slice into bars of your desired size.
  8. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze them for up to one month to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
  • Foil lining the pan makes removing and slicing the bars easier after baking.
  • Feel free to customize the add-ins with nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips as desired.
  • Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.
  • These bars freeze well; wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/easy-peanut-butter-cookie-bars-recipe/