Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: 24 Soft and Chewy Treats

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that never fails to impress. These bars are soft, thick, and chewy, boasting a rich peanut butter flavor that is irresistible. Topped with a smooth chocolate layer and adorned with mini peanut butter M&M’s, they provide the perfect balance between sweet and crunchy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are not just another dessert; they are an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Rich in flavor, offering a satisfying peanut butter punch.
• Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to make, following a simple easy peanut butter cookie bars recipe.
• Perfect for sharing, yielding 24 delicious bars.
• Customizable with various toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips.
• Can be made gluten-free with alternative flour options.

It’s no wonder these bars are a favorite among dessert lovers, making them an ideal addition to any American dessert table.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

• 1 cup (226g) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (440g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 2 1/2 cups (350g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups mini peanut butter M&M’s
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
• 1/2 cup mini peanut butter M&M’s (for decoration)

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 1/4 cups mini peanut butter M&M’s.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and eggs until smooth. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Add the creamy peanut butter and whisk until smooth and thick.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. Allow the bars to cool almost completely in the pan.
8. Step 8: For the topping, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
9. Step 9: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mini peanut butter M&M’s.
10. Step 10: Allow the chocolate to set completely before slicing into 24 bars.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Don’t overbake; the bars will continue to cook in the pan as they cool.
• If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake them.
• For a healthier twist, consider a healthy peanut butter cookie bar recipe by reducing sugar and using whole grain flour.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These bars shine on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Enjoy them as part of a dessert buffet, alongside other peanut butter dessert bars.

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

What is a peanut butter cookie bar?

A peanut butter cookie bar is a thick, chewy dessert made primarily with peanut butter, flour, and sugar, often topped with chocolate or candies. They are easy to slice and serve, making them a popular choice for gatherings.

Can I make peanut butter cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Just bake them and store them in an airtight container. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them perfect for meal prep or events.

How do I avoid common mistakes with peanut butter cookie bars?

To avoid mistakes, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and do not overmix the batter. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to prevent them from becoming dry.

Variations of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

• Add oats for a chewy texture with peanut butter cookie bar with oats.
• Incorporate chocolate chips for a peanut butter chocolate cookie bar.
• Experiment with different nut butters for a unique twist.
• Make them vegan by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using dairy-free chocolate.

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: 24 Soft and Chewy Treats

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are soft, thick, and chewy with rich peanut butter flavor, topped with a smooth chocolate layer and finished with mini peanut butter M&M’s for the perfect sweet and crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226g) salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (440g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 2 1/2 cups (350g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 cups mini peanut butter M&M’s
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
• 1/2 cup mini peanut butter M&M’s (for decoration)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 1/4 cups mini peanut butter M&M’s.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and eggs until smooth. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined.
4. Add the creamy peanut butter and whisk until smooth and thick.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. Allow the bars to cool almost completely in the pan.
8. For the topping, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
9. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mini peanut butter M&M’s.
10. Allow the chocolate to set completely before slicing into 24 bars.

Notes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg