Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a must-try! These bars are rich, chewy, and filled with the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips. Whether you’re making them for a special treat or a quick snack, these bars come together effortlessly and are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make them easier to remove.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
2. Add the Sugars: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the peanut butter mixture, and mix until fully combined.
3. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

1. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Spread the Dough Evenly: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer using a spatula or your hands.
2. Bake for 25-30 Minutes: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

1. Let the Bars Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before removing them.
2. Slice into Squares: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles.

Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly without affecting the overall texture.
• Use Different Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix things up by using dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for added variety.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: It might be tempting to cut into them right away, but letting the bars cool will make them easier to slice and prevent crumbling.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

• Perfect Flavor Combination: The rich, creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with sweet, melty chocolate chips for an irresistible treat.
• Simple to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples, these bars come together quickly and easily.
• Versatile Snack: These bars make an excellent dessert, snack, or even a lunchbox addition. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, like using almond butter instead of peanut butter or adding nuts for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

• With Ice Cream: Warm a bar in the microwave and serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• With a Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing for these sweet and rich bars.
• As a Party Treat: Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as bite-sized treats at gatherings or parties.

Storing and Freezing

Storing:

• Room Temperature: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: To extend their freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing:

• Freezer-Friendly: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To Thaw: Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours before enjoying.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars recipe is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. With their chewy texture and perfect balance of sweet and salty, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a bit of crunch to the bars.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. How can I make these bars dairy-free?
   Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
4. Can I add other mix-ins?
   Definitely! You can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
5. What’s the best way to store these bars?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
   - Advertisement -
   Yield: 16 Bars

   Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

   

   Print

   If you're a fan of the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a must-try! These bars are rich, chewy, and filled with the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips. Whether you're making them for a special treat or a quick snack, these bars come together effortlessly and are sure to be a hit with everyone.

   - Advertisement -

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
   • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
   • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
   • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the Oven:
      Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
      In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until combined.
   3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
      In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   4. Mix the Batter:
      Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips (and peanut butter chips if using).
   5. Bake the Bars:
      Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
   6. Cool and Slice:
      Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing into squares or bars.

   Notes

   Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture, but crunchy peanut butter can add a nice crunch if preferred.

   Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a good balance to the sweetness, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can also be used.

   Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.