Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, with just a few pantry staples required. The combination of creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the sweetness of the granulated sugar balances the richness perfectly. The bars are baked to a soft, golden perfection, making them irresistible for anyone who loves peanut butter-based treats. Plus, they are ideal for sharing, whether at a party, as an after-school snack, or as a quick dessert to enjoy at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

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

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the Dough
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and sugar until smooth.
   Gradually add in the flour, mixing until well combined.
   Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

3. Bake the Bars
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

4. Cut and Serve
   Once cooled, cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles.
   Serve and enjoy these delicious peanut butter cookie bars with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Servings and Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 12 bars

• Calories: 200 kcal per serving

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before pressing it into the pan for an extra layer of flavor.

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or jelly over the dough before baking for a PB&J twist.

• Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars: Swap the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for a little extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cookie bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

• Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, simply heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy for a bit of added texture in the bars.

2. How can I make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or even try using a sugar substitute.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a great addition to these bars. Simply fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before baking.

4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit any added salt to avoid making the bars too salty.

5. What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can substitute it with gluten-free flour if needed.

6. Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy butter with a non-dairy butter and make sure the peanut butter you use is dairy-free.

7. How long do these bars last?

When stored in an airtight container, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

8. Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze very well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

9. Can I make these bars without flour?

Unfortunately, the flour is essential to the structure of these bars. If you are looking for a flourless option, consider making peanut butter cookies instead.

10. Can I add other nuts or ingredients?

Feel free to add chopped peanuts, almonds, or even a swirl of caramel for a fun variation.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a simple, delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a family snack, a party, or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit. The rich peanut butter flavor combined with a golden, soft texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars will quickly become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.