Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are chewy, rich, and packed with the irresistible combo of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips. Made in one bowl with simple ingredients, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion—easy to whip up, easy to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and chocolatey. With a soft and slightly gooey center, they’re a comforting dessert that’s just as great for bake sales and parties as they are for cozy nights at home.

• One-bowl recipe
• No need for a mixer
• Perfectly chewy and flavorful
• Customizable and freezer-friendly
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Creamy peanut butter
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until the batter is smooth—don’t overmix.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12–16 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Stir in chopped peanuts or walnuts for crunch.
• Use chunky peanut butter: Adds extra texture.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add sea salt on top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking for contrast.
• Try other chips: Use white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature, or microwave briefly to enjoy warm.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry. The texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time to 35–40 minutes.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be golden and a toothpick in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Are these bars chewy or cakey?

They’re chewy with a soft, slightly gooey center—perfect for peanut butter lovers.

Can I add oats?

Yes, replace ½ cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.

Can I make them egg-free?

Try using flax eggs or an egg replacer, though the texture may be slightly different.

What size pan should I use?

An 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking dish works best for thick, chewy bars.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but they’ll stay fresher a bit longer if stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate easy dessert—chewy, gooey, and bursting with rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, packing lunches, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe box. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit!

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