Dive into these easy peanut butter chocolate chip bars made with creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate chips. This recipe will hit the spot and become an instant family hit. Bake this tasty treat for any party and get-together with friends or family for a no-hassle, quick and easy recipe that everyone will love. You won’t want to miss this delicious recipe.

Why You Will Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Quick and Easy: Baked in less than 30 minutes, this dessert bar is a quick recipe to make and bake. It comes together so quickly you don’t have to worry about long wait times between steps. It’s also super easy to follow; a beginner baker will feel accomplished making this fun recipe.
Pantry Staples: This basic recipe doesn’t use complicated ingredients. Most ingredients used are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. No need to run to the store for something extra when making these cookie bars.
The Perfect Flavor Combination: Who doesn’t love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? This recipe has the perfect ratio of the two flavors, making one delicious dessert. The salt flavor of the peanut butter mixed with the sweet chocolate just hits the spot.
Great For Parties: Make these peanut butter chocolate chip bars for any occasion! They are so versatile. They make the perfect after-school snack, office party treat, or birthday party dessert. You can even add them to a Christmas spread to add extra flavor. Add it next to a traditional pecan pie, and you’ll have some amazing variety.
Kid Friendly: Kids love this recipe! Not only will they enjoy eating it, but it’s also a great recipe for them to help make. There’s nothing better than having kids help create something fun in the kitchen.
Perfect For Pairing: These go with so many other desserts, or they make a great treat with a variety of meals.
Ingredients

Butter: This recipe uses salted butter. You’ll want to melt it before adding it to the other ingredients. If you don’t have salted butter, add ⅛ teaspoon of extra salt. Using melted butter will create a more fudgy texture.
Sugar: Brown sugar is used in this recipe, giving the chocolate bars a delicious caramel undertone. Most chocolate chip cookies use brown sugar, and adding it to this recipe will give that same taste you’re looking for. Using regular granulated sugar in a cookie recipe helps cookies spread. In bar cookies, we don’t need that, so we use brown sugar for maximum delicious flavor!
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is preferred for this recipe. Though natural peanut butter is tasty and great in other recipes, this recipe asks for traditional peanut butter because of its thicker texture. Use chunky peanut butter for extra texture and more nuts!
Vanilla: A baking staple, this ingredient adds a subtle vanilla flavor while also complementing the other flavors.
Eggs: If possible, room-temperature eggs are always preferred when baking. They help the recipe rise properly. You can also use eggs from the refrigerator.
Baking soda: Baking soda is used to help the dough rise. Adding this ingredient makes it so you don’t have a flat bar.
Salt: Added salt compliments the other flavors. If you don’t use salted butter, add a touch more salt to make up for the unsalted butter.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best used for this recipe. You can use gluten-free flour as well if needed. Try using almond flour if you’re looking for a flour alternative. This will change the texture of the bar, but it will taste great.
Chocolate chips: Use milk chocolate chips for this recipe. If you are looking for a richer taste, use semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. You can adjust to your taste preferences. For appearance and taste, hold out some of the chocolate chips to top the dough before baking. This will help the chocolate chips be evenly distributed instead of all on the bottom of the dough. It gives a great chocolate taste throughout.

Equipment
Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for this recipe. A metal bowl or glass bowl is perfect because it can handle an electric hand mixer.
Electric Hand Mixer: An electric hand mixer is perfect for the consistency of these peanut butter chocolate chip bars. You can also use a stand mixer if you prefer.
9X13 Baking Dish: This makes a large batch, so a 9×13 baking dish is needed. Use a glass or metal dish for this recipe. If you make a half batch, you will need an 8×8 baking dish.
Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric hand mixer, combine the butter and brown sugar for about 30 seconds on medium speed. After the mixture is smooth, add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat on high until lightened and well combined. This will take about a minute.

Next, add the dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix on medium speed until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips to the dough and mix just until combined. Don’t over-mix the dough when adding the chocolate chips.

Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread dough into the 9×13 baking dish and then top with the remaining chocolate chips.

Place in the oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Let the bars cool before cutting and serving. Serve on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Substitutions
Natural Peanut Butter: You can use natural peanut butter, but the texture will be a little bit different. We love the flavor (it’s stronger!) and prefer it. If you use this peanut butter, decrease the salted butter by 2 tablespoons.
Gluten-Free Variation: Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use your favorite gluten-free flour or even almond flour. You may need to experiment with the constituency, adding more butter if needed. This will give you a gluten-free dessert but still all the amazing flavors.

Variations
Rolled Oats: Make oatmeal peanut butter bars by reducing the flour to 1 ¾ cups and adding 1 ½ cups oats. The oats add a great texture and taste to the chocolate peanut butter flavor.
Smaller Batch: Needing a smaller amount? Make a half batch in an 8×8” baking dish.
Less Chocolate: Sometimes, we use just 1 cup of chocolate chips. If you want to enhance the peanut butter flavor, these turn out great with less chocolate chips.
Added Flavor: Make these your own by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even different flavors of chocolate chips.
Storage
To Store: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Store for 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
To Reheat: These taste amazing when warm, so before eating the leftovers, microwave a single square for about 10 seconds to melt the chocolate.
To Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months, enjoy frozen or thaw before eating. You can make these ahead of time and freeze them for later!

Serving Suggestions
This is such a great dessert and adds to so many wonderful dishes. Make this a fun family meal by serving tater tot casserole and a side salad for dinner, and then end with these tasty peanut butter chocolate chip bars as dessert. Your kids will love it!
We love cutting these into squares and serving them on a platter for parties and get-togethers. They make a fun, quick, and easy dessert that pairs well with other desserts. They are elegant enough to add to a dinner party but also fun to bring to a game night at a friend’s house.
FAQ
Can you use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use natural peanut butter, but remember the texture may be altered slightly. That style of peanut butter is a little runnier than brands like Skippy or Jif. Reduce the amount of melted butter by 2 tablespoons if you use natural peanut butter.
Can peanut butter chocolate chip bars be gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose white flour. The texture may be altered slightly depending on what type of flour you use. Be sure to check the ingredient labels of your other ingredients to make sure they are also gluten-free before using.
Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter or other nut butter for peanut butter. The different kinds of butter will have varying textures, so be sure to keep that in mind when checking the consistency of the dough. If the nut butter you use has a thicker consistency than peanut butter, add extra butter to the recipe. Start with a melted half tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you would like.
Related Recipes
Want to make a fun party spread? Add this with slices of homemade banana bread, chocolate-covered pretzels, and Oreo balls for a flavorful get-together everyone will love. These quick and easy recipes are ready in minutes and taste amazing!
We are certain you will love these tasty chocolate peanut butter cookie bars. You won’t be disappointed with the perfect flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate and the thick and chewy texture.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Electric Mixer
- 1 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup salted butter melted
- 1 ⅔ Cup brown sugar
- 1 Cup peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 2 Cups flour
- 1 Teaspoon baking soda
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- 2 Cups milk chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl with an electric mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and brown sugar for about 30 seconds on medium speed. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat on high until lightened and well combined, about a minute.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium-low until combined. Add 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips and mix just until combined.
- Spread dough into the 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining chocolate chips. Place in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you’re using with each recipe.
©PinkWhen 2023
Nicole Winegardner
Nicole Winegardner is the co-founder ofSimply Scrumptious Eatsalongside Andrea Harrison, where together they create recipes for busy families. Her goal is to make recipes approachable for everyone, no matter your skill level. Nicole has been creating recipes and cooking for 25 years. You can find her onMuckrackandLinkedin.
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