Description
These Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate chips for a delightfully chewy and irresistible treat. Perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert, they are simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, offering a deliciously nutty and chocolaty experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (1 1/4 cups for the batter, 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate them into the wet mixture.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Reserve the remaining chocolate chips to sprinkle on top.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to ensure tender bars.
- Using parchment paper makes removal from the pan easier.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and check chocolate chips for allergens.
- You can slightly underbake the bars if you prefer a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
