I’m sharing one of my favorite treats that never fails to impress: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips that creates the perfect chewy, sweet-and-salty bite. Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started in the kitchen, these bars come together with simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Ready to discover the dessert that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe?
Why You’ll Love these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are about to become your new favorite treat in the dessert rotation.
I’m talking about the perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with round cookies. They’re incredibly simple to make—just mix, spread, and bake—no scooping or multiple batches required.
The combination of creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips creates that irresistible sweet-and-salty magic we all crave.
Plus, they’re perfect for potlucks, lunch boxes, or midnight snacking sessions. The recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, which means you can whip these up whenever the mood strikes.
Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both convenient and delicious?
What Ingredients are in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars?
These delicious bars come together with simple pantry staples that create the perfect harmony of peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For best results, use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and egg, which will blend more smoothly and create that perfect chewy texture we’re looking for in these bars.
How to Make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This preparation guarantees your bars will release easily after baking and gives your oven time to reach the perfect temperature.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
The mixture should look pale and considerably increased in volume—this incorporates air for that perfect texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Beat in 1 egg until fully incorporated. This binding ingredient helps hold everything together and contributes to the chewy, soft texture we’re after.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 1½ cups flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt to your wet mixture.
Mix just until combined—no need to overdo it, as overmixing can make your bars tough rather than tender.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips using a spatula.
Want that perfect chocolate-in-every-bite experience? Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 6: Spread in Pan
Transfer the thick batter to your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
The batter will be quite thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what we want for chewy bars!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Remember, slightly underbaking is better than overbaking for that soft, gooey center.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
This cooling period is vital—it allows the bars to set up properly and makes cutting much cleaner.
Patience pays off with perfectly shaped bars!
For precise, clean cuts when serving these delicious treats, consider using a premium chef knife from a quality knife set.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
These indulgent bars are perfect for dessert, but they’re also just right for an afternoon pick-me-up with the right accompaniments.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms them into a decadent dessert—the cold creaminess against the chewy, warm bar is simply heavenly.
For a morning treat, pair with a strong cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
Need something invigorating? A cold glass of milk is the classic companion that never disappoints.
Want something lighter? Fresh berries on the side add a tart contrast that cuts through the richness.
And if you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes these already-amazing bars to new heights.
Perfect for snack time or dessert tables at any gathering.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Substitutions and Variations
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugars by ¼ cup and use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Decadent Toppings: Drizzle cooled bars with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or dust with powdered sugar for special occasions.
- Seasonal Twist: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for fall vibes, or add crushed candy canes for holiday cheer.
Leftovers and Storage for these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
These irresistible bars keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days—if they last that long!
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Want to plan ahead? These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.
To refresh day-old bars, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked warmth and makes the chocolate chips slightly melty again—heaven!
The peanut butter flavor actually deepens overnight, making these bars arguably even better the next day.
Talk about dessert that improves with patience!
Final Thoughts
These simple yet delectable bars represent comfort baking at its finest. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips creates that perfect sweet-and-salty balance we all crave, while the soft, cookie-like texture makes them impossible to resist.
They’re my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I need something homemade but don’t have time for scooping individual cookies. Perfect for tucking into lunch boxes, serving at potlucks, or enjoying with afternoon coffee.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the smell of peanut butter and chocolate wafting through the kitchen—a reminder that sometimes the simplest treats bring the most joy. If you’re looking for another sweet peanut butter treat, try making peanut butter truffles with a creamy filling that’s dipped in melted chocolate for an elegant dessert option.