Description
These chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars deliver all the flavor of traditional peanut butter cookies but in a quick, no-fuss bar form. Ready in just 30 minutes, they feature a perfectly soft center with slightly crisp edges and rich peanut butter flavor in every bite. The extra egg yolk creates an irresistibly moist, chewy texture that stays fresh for days. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, lunchboxes, or whenever a peanut butter craving strikes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural style)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add peanut butter and whisk until fully incorporated and mixture is uniform.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the peanut butter mixture. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in peanut butter chips and chocolate chips if using.
- Transfer dough to prepared baking pan and spread evenly using a spatula or slightly dampened hands.
- For a traditional touch, use a fork to make crosshatch marks on top of the dough.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center appears set but still soft.
- Allow to cool completely in pan on wire rack before removing and cutting.
- Cut into 16 squares once completely cooled.
Notes
- Conventional creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best in this recipe. Natural peanut butter that separates can make the bars too oily or dry.
- The extra egg yolk is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
- For best results, slightly underbake rather than overbake – the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
- For a fun variation, try adding chopped peanut butter cups, swirling jam into the top before baking, or drizzling with melted chocolate after cooling.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: peanut butter cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, easy peanut butter bars, quick dessert recipe, peanut butter dessert, one bowl cookie bars, homemade cookie bars, peanut butter squares