These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars deliver all the comforting flavors of classic peanut butter cookies in a convenient, no-fuss format. Each square features a tender, chewy center surrounded by slightly crisp edges, creating the perfect textural balance in every bite. Rich with nutty depth and just the right touch of sweetness, these bars come together in a fraction of the time required for traditional cookies. Whether enjoyed as an after-school treat, packed for lunch, or served as the foundation for ice cream sandwiches, these versatile bars bring comfort and joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: Nostalgic Bliss in Every Bite
Peanut Butter Cookie Bars represent the perfect intersection of convenience and indulgence in home baking. These delightful treats transform the beloved peanut butter cookie into a time-saving bar format without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture. The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility and approachability – they deliver all the comforting, nutty satisfaction of traditional peanut butter cookies but require significantly less hands-on time, as there’s no need to shape individual cookies or bake multiple batches.
What makes these bars truly special is their perfect textural balance. The edges develop a slight crispness that provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, chewy center. This textural harmony creates an eating experience that appeals to cookie enthusiasts of all types – whether you prefer your cookies crunchy or soft. The concentrated peanut butter flavor permeates every bite, delivering that nostalgic taste that connects us to childhood memories while simultaneously satisfying sophisticated adult palates.
These bars also serve as an excellent canvas for customization. While delicious in their pure form, they welcome additions like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a swirl of jam for those who enjoy experimenting. Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for packing in lunches, taking to potlucks, or shipping to loved ones far away – they travel beautifully without crumbling.
Perfectly Portable Peanut Pleasure
From a practical standpoint, cookie bars streamline the baking process considerably. The dough requires no chilling time, and you’ll dirty fewer dishes compared to traditional drop cookies. One pan in the oven yields enough treats to satisfy a crowd, making these bars perfect for busy parents, novice bakers, or anyone seeking maximum return on minimal baking effort.
The nutritional profile deserves mention as well – peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, making these bars more substantial and satiating than many other sweet treats. They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a glass of milk or cup of coffee, providing lasting energy rather than a sugar crash.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 1 week in a sealed container
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months, individually wrapped and stored in freezer bags
- Thaw at room temperature or microwave frozen bars for 15-20 seconds
Summary:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 bars (8×8 pan) or 24-30 bars (9×13 pan)
- Difficulty: Easy
Equipment:
- 8×8 or 9×13 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- ⅔ cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- OR ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan (for thicker bars) or 9×13 inch pan (for thinner bars) with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in peanut butter chips and/or chopped peanuts.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture or scatter chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes for a 9×13 pan or 25-30 minutes for an 8×8 pan. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares or bars once completely cooled. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, use honey-roasted peanut butter or add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter
- For chewier bars, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes
- If using natural peanut butter, add an extra 2 tablespoons of flour to compensate for the extra oil
- Create a marbled effect by swirling 1/3 cup of warmed jam or melted chocolate into the top of the batter before baking
- For a sweet-salty combination, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top just after baking
- The bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem too soft at first
- Add 1 cup of mix-ins like chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped candy for variety
- These bars freeze exceptionally well – perfect for make-ahead treats
- For a richer flavor, brown the butter before using in the recipe
- Cut into small squares for a perfect bite-sized party dessert