peanut butter cookie bars

Here’s an easy and irresistible recipe for Peanut Butter Cookie Bars — soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. They come together in one bowl, require no chilling, and bake into perfect cookie squares every time. Ideal for peanut butter lovers!

🥜🍪 Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Yields: 16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

🧂 Ingredients:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts

🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Add sugars and mix until well combined.
Beat in egg and vanilla.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins if using.

4. Bake:

Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan (batter will be thick).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool & Cut:

Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before lifting out and slicing into bars.

🔁 Variations:

Swirl in jam before baking for a PB&J twist.
Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 flour substitute.
Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

🧊 Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months — just thaw and enjoy.

Would you like a no-bake version, a vegan-friendly one, or peanut butter blondies with oats? Just let me know!