Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars! They’re everything you love about classic peanut butter cookies but in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to disappear within hours. The edges get this perfect golden crispness while the center stays gloriously chewy, packed with that rich peanut butter flavor we all crave.
What I love most is how simple these bars are to throw together. No rolling dough into perfect little balls or worrying about spacing on cookie sheets. Just mix, spread, bake, and cut into squares. They’re perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or when you need a quick dessert that feels special. Trust me, one bite of these and you’ll understand why they’re my go-to treat!
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Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Let me count the ways these bars will become your new favorite treat!
First, they’re ridiculously easy to make, no fancy techniques or special equipment needed. Just wait until you bite into that perfect chewy texture with crisp edges.
The peanut butter flavor? Oh, it’s rich and deep, just like Grandma’s cookies but in convenient bar form.
And here’s the best part: One batch makes 24 generous squares, so you’ll have plenty to share (or not, no judgement here!).
These are the kind of bars that make people ask for the recipe after just one bite.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to peanut butter bliss!
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup of melted unsalted butter (trust me, real butter makes all the difference), 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar, really pack it in there for that deep caramel flavor.
You’ll want 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (I always use the name brand for this recipe), 2 large eggs at room temperature, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
For the dry ingredients, grab 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
That’s it! Simple pantry staples that come together to create something magical.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need anything fancy for these peanut butter cookie bars! Just grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or metal both work great), a large mixing bowl, and a good sturdy whisk.
That’s really it, I told you this recipe was simple! If you want to get fancy, a rubber spatula helps scrape every last bit of that delicious batter into the pan.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s get baking! I promise this is so easy you could do it with your eyes closed (but please don’t, safety first!). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most amazing peanut butter cookie bars ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get that oven nice and toasty at 350°F. While it’s heating up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I like to use butter or nonstick spray to make sure these bars pop right out after baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In your large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, oh, that heavenly smell already! Crack the eggs and splash in the vanilla, then mix until everything is beautifully combined. You’ll notice the batter gets this gorgeous creamy texture that makes you want to dive right in.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures our dry ingredients are evenly distributed so every bite has perfect texture. No one wants a mouthful of baking powder, right?
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Here’s where patience is key! Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix; a few small flour streaks are totally fine. Overworking the batter makes tough bars, and we want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread that glorious batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes: You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Let them cool completely before cutting into squares, unless you want gooey peanut butter lava, which, honestly, isn’t the worst problem to have!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Listen up, because these little tricks make all the difference! First, use room temperature eggs:
They blend into the batter so smoothly compared to cold ones. And whatever you do, don’t overbake these beauties.
Pull them out when the edges are golden, but the center still looks slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Speaking of cooling, I know it’s torture to wait, but letting them cool completely before cutting gives you those clean, perfect squares.
Oh, and here’s my secret weapon: Line your pan with parchment paper for foolproof removal every time!
Variations for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Oh, the possibilities! While I love the classic version, sometimes I can’t resist mixing things up. Toss in a cup of chocolate chips for peanut butter cup magic, or swirl in some melted peanut butter before baking for extra richness.
Feeling fancy? Sprinkle sea salt on top right after baking: The sweet-salty combo is unreal. My neighbor swears by adding chopped peanuts for crunch, but honestly, I’m a purist when it comes to that smooth peanut butter flavor. Whatever you choose, these bars are your canvas, have fun with it!
Serving and Storing Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
These peanut butter cookie bars taste best at room temperature when all those flavors can really shine. I like to serve them on a pretty plate; they look so inviting with their golden edges! For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days… if they last that long in your house! Mine never do. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about nutrition: These peanut butter cookie bars are definitely a treat! The exact values can vary depending on your specific ingredients, but let’s be honest, we’re not eating these for their health benefits.
They’re pure delicious indulgence, meant to be enjoyed in moderation (or not, I won’t tell!).
FAQs About Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
You absolutely can use crunchy peanut butter if that’s what you love, but I recommend sticking with creamy for this recipe. The smooth texture gives you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The crunchy version adds texture (obviously!), but it changes the classic cookie bar experience my family adores.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
These bars stay fresh and delicious when stored properly! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. No need to refrigerate – they’ll keep their perfect texture for up to 5 days this way. If they last that long in your house, that is!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes! These peanut butter cookie bars freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Easy & Delicious Desserts to Try Next
If you enjoyed these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, here are a few more simple and tasty desserts you’ll love. They’re sweet, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
- Try Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs for a creamy and rich peanut butter treat covered in chocolate.
- Enjoy Homemade Snickers Bars if you want a chewy, nutty, and chocolatey homemade candy bar.
- Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones for a fun and fruity cheesecake-style dessert.
- Bake Chocolate Chip Pound Cake when you’re craving a soft and buttery cake filled with chocolate chips.
Try one of these next to keep enjoying easy and delicious homemade treats!
Share Your Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
I’d love to hear how your peanut butter cookie bars turn out! Drop me a comment below or share photos of your baking adventure. Nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. And follow me on Pinterest for more recipes.
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- large bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
