I recently experimented with combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, a touch of melted butter, and creamy peanut butter with vibrant semisweet chocolate chips. The blend of granulated and light brown sugars adds a flavorful twist. I pride myself on these Chocolate Chip Bars that deliver a unique peanut butter surprise.

Jump to Recipe

I discovered this recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars when I was looking for something rich and fudgy to surprise my friends. I love mixing together ingredients like 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a dash of salt with 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter to form a perfect base.

Then I fold in a creamy 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The best part is tossing in a cup of semisweet chocolate chips that melt in the oven, creating these incredible swirls kinda like what you get in a Peanut Butter Swirled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar or even those Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top.

If you enjoy a good mix of peanut butter magic with the charm of a Dessert Bar Recipe, you really need to try these bars ASAP!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for several reasons. First, I really enjoy how rich and fudgy the bars turn out every time I bake them and they always satisfies my sweet tooth. Second, the peanut butter swirl is the coolest part because it makes every bite a surprise and adds a creamy twist that I just can’t get enough of. Third, I like that it’s super simple to follow; the instructions are easy to understand even if I’m in a rush or not feeling my best in the kitchen. Finally, these cookie bars pair perfectly with ice cream, and that just makes them the ultimate treat for a chill weekend dessert.

Ingredients

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All-purpose flour: Provides structure and carbs needed for energy, though it lacks fiber.
Peanut butter: Offers rich protein and healthy fats with a creamy, nutty taste.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars while giving quick energy and balances the salty flavors.
Brown sugar: Adds moistness and deep caramel flavor making bars extra delicious.
Unsalted butter: Contributes smooth richness and even texture with natural dairy flavor.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together, boost protein and improve the overall texture in baking.
Chocolate chips: Provide bursts of bittersweet chocolate flavor and a melty indulgent finish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with subtle sweetness and a warm aromatic finish.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (plus a little extra if you wanna add a thicker swirl)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs, at room temp

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan so the bars don’t stick.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. In a separate big bowl, stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter with the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup light brown sugar until smooth.

4. Beat in the 2 eggs (make sure they are at room temp) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mix until its well combined.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir till just incorporated.

6. Fold in the 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top using a spatula.

8. If you want a thicker peanut butter swirl, drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top over the batter.

9. Use a knife or toothpick to lightly swirl the extra peanut butter into the batter.

10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Let cool in the pan, then cut into squares and serve warm (they are amazing with a scoop of ice cream).

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×9 inch baking pan
3. Medium bowl for dry ingredients
4. Large bowl for wet ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spatula for smoothing batter
7. Whisk or spoon for mixing
8. Knife or toothpick for swirling peanut butter into the batter

FAQ

Question: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Answer: Yep, you can, but your bar texture might be a bit different and you'll get extra crunch in a bite.

Question: Can I swap the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips? Answer: Sure thing, dark chocolate will add a richer, bolder flavor but it might be slightly bittersweet.

Question: How long and at what temperature should I bake these bars? Answer: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Question: How do I store these peanut butter chocolate chip bars? Answer: You can keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Question: What if my batter seems too thick? Answer: If your batter is too thick, try adding a little milk to loosen it up so it spreads out nicely in the pan.

Question: Why do I need room temperature eggs in this recipe? Answer: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, helping your bars come out soft and consistent.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have all-purpose flour, try using whole wheat pastry flour. It gives a heartier flavor but the texture might be a bit denser.
If unsalted butter isn’t available, you can melt some coconut oil. Or if you only have salted butter, just cut down on the extra salt a bit.
For the creamy peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter work great if you wanna mix things up or need a peanut-free option.
No semisweet chocolate chips? You can use dark chocolate chips or even chop up a quality chocolate bar for a similar result.

Pro Tips

1. Be careful not to overmix your batter once you add the dry ingredients; doing it just until they’re combined helps keep your bars soft instead of turning them into a tough cake.
2. Make sure you let your eggs and butter sit at room temp before using; it really helps with blending the flavors and gets the perfect fudgy texture you’re aiming for.
3. Line your pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars super easy and to avoid that annoying sticking mess when you try to cut them up.
4. If you really love the peanut butter flavor, drizzle a bit extra on top and swirl it in gently with a toothpick; this trick can amp up the peanut taste without messing up the overall texture.