Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, gooey delight of chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these bars require minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for busy days or spontaneous cravings. With a soft, chewy texture and classic flavor combo, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)unsalted buttersugarbrown sugareggvanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking sodasaltchocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.

Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 20–25 minutesCooling time: 20 minutesTotal time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a twist.

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.

Use almond or sunflower butter as a peanut-free alternative.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, microwave a bar for about 10 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it well before using and expect a slightly different texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling required—this recipe is quick and easy.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, though butter gives a richer flavor.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chips are traditional, but feel free to experiment.

Can I add oats?

Yes, adding 1/2 cup of quick oats can add texture and heartiness.

Why are my bars too dry?

Be sure not to overbake and measure your flour correctly.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re a kid-favorite thanks to the classic flavor combo.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works great for combining the ingredients.

Conclusion

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a deliciously simple treat that satisfies both nutty and chocolatey cravings. With just a few pantry staples and under an hour from start to finish, these bars are a perfect go-to dessert or snack for any occasion. Make a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite.