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Home / By Course / Desserts / Dessert Bars / Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

November 5, 2024

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a close up shot of Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars on a wooden board
Peanut butter cup cookie bars are the ultimate in decadence with the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
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Table of Contents
  1. Let’s Dish: All About Reese’s Cookie Bars
  2. Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars Ingredients
  3. Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Substitutions And Additions
  4. How To Make This Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars Recipe
  5. How To Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Bars with Chocolate
  6. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Storage
  7. Why Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the Best
  8. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Frequently Asked Questions
  9. More Favorite Recipes You’ll Love
  10. JUMP TO RECIPE
  11. Even More Easy Recipe Ideas You’ll Love

These peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars are built on the perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a golden, chewy cookie base. We carefully adjusted the sweetness and texture in this recipe, choosing semi-sweet chocolate chips to keep the flavors in harmony without overwhelming the smooth peanut butter. Every bite captures a bit of that irresistible crunch on top, with gooey pockets of chocolate and melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter at the center. With our team’s extensive testing and attention to detail, we’re confident that this recipe will hit the mark for both flavor and texture, delivering a bar that feels like a treat every time.

a close up shot of Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars stacked on top of each other
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MAIN INGREDIENTS: Salted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, semi-sweet chocolate chips, Reese’s peanut butter cups

QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven to 375°F, line a 9×13 metal baking pan with parchment, cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, fold in chocolate chips, layer dough in pan with peanut butter cups, cover with remaining dough, bake until golden brown, cool and cut into bars

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 50 minutes, 16 servings

Why This Recipe

  • Layer of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Unlike many cookie bar recipes, this one includes a full layer of Reese’s peanut butter cups in the center, adding a creamy, peanut-filled bite that stands out and makes each bar feel like a true indulgence.
  • Golden, Chewy Texture: Through extensive testing, our recipe developers achieved a chewy center with a slightly crisp top, thanks to the ideal ratio of butter and sugar. This texture combination makes each bite satisfying from edge to center.
  • Simple, Reliable Method: Our team fine-tuned each step, from mixing to layering, to make the process approachable even for beginner bakers. No complex steps, just straightforward techniques that guarantee a delicious outcome.
Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars raw ingredients that are labeled

The rich smoothness of the peanut butter combines with the gooey chocolate chips to create an irresistible flavor.

The soft, chewy cookie base and peanut butter cup center provide a delightfully comforting contrast, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.

To make this delicious treat, you’ll need:

  • 1½ cups of salted butter softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 3½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons of baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon of salt
  • 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips 
  • 24 standard Reese’s peanut butter cups

PEANUT BUTTER CUPS: Instead of the regular-sized Reese’s peanut butter cups, you could substitute miniature peanut butter cups. You’ll need more to cover the entire pan if you go this route.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: For a different chocolatey experience, consider using dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips. You could also use peanut butter chips if you wish.

These cookie bars are quick and easy to make. All you need to do is whip up the delicious peanut butter and chocolate chip batter.

Layer half of it in the pan before adding a decadent layer of peanut butter cups and the remainder of the batter. That’s all there is to it!

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

This chewy cookie bar recipe yields more dough than a standard chocolate chip cookie recipe, which lends itself nicely to fully covering the pan for the base and then has enough cookie dough to cover the peanut butter cups, too.  

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 metal baking pan with parchment paper.

It’s easiest to use a square-edged pan for these bars to help make slicing and serving simple.

STEP TWO: Add butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together until creamy.

STEP THREE: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating for two to three minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

STEP FOUR: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Whisk the flour mixture together.

STEP FIVE: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just enough to incorporate.

STEP SIX: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir with a large spoon to mix.

semi sweet chocolate chips added to the mixture and fold in a bowl

STEP SEVEN: Add half of the chocolate chip cookie mixture to the prepared pan. Flatten evenly into the pan. 

PRO TIP:

Use a piece of plastic wrap or a spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to press the dough into the pan. It tends to be a bit sticky.

chocolate chip cookie mixture added to the baking pan

STEP EIGHT: Remove the wrappers from the Reese’s peanut butter cups and place them into the pan over the bottom layer of chocolate chip cookie dough.

If needed, cut peanut butter cups in half to fill as much of the space as possible.

PRO TIP:

Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for about ten minutes to make them easier to cut.

Reese's peanut butter cups placed into the bottom of a pan

STEP NINE: Spoon the remaining dough over the peanut butter cups and press to spread it to cover.

dough spooned over the peanut butter cups on a baking dish

STEP TEN: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until almost fully set. The top should be evenly golden brown, and the center should not jiggle much.

These cookie bars are best just a little undercooked.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your bars at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

cookie bars baked in a baking dish

STEP ELEVEN: Once the cookies have cooled completely, lift them from the pan and cut them into bars on a cutting board.

Peanut butter lovers will enjoy these delicious bars, along with a glass of milk or homemade hot chocolate to wash it down.

If you are looking for an even more indulgent dessert, try adding a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a dollop of whipped cream on the top.

Our salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars and magic cookie bars are two more easy cookie bar recipes to satisfy your cravings.

MORE COOKIE BAR RECIPES

To ensure they stay fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage guidelines:

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead for a special occasion or just want to save time, you can definitely make these cookie bars in advance.

Simply bake according to the recipe instructions, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

They’ll remain tasty for up to three days.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store chewy peanut butter cookie bars in an airtight container for up to five days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze these peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars for up to three months.

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container labeled with the best-by date. Thaw on the counter overnight before serving.

IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR COMBINATION: Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic and beloved flavor pairing. These cookie bars offer a rich and satisfying combination of sweet, nutty peanut butter and the indulgent sweetness of chocolate chips.

EASY TO MAKE: Cookie bars are generally easier and less time-consuming to make than traditional cookies because you don’t need to scoop and bake individual cookies.

CHEWY AND MOIST TEXTURE: The texture of these peanut butter chocolate cookie bars is chewy, moist, and dense, which many people find incredibly satisfying.

overhead shot of Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars stacked on top of each other on a wooden board

These peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars bring together creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in a soft, chewy bar that’s simple to make and guaranteed to please. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a go-to treat when you want something truly satisfying.

How do I store these peanut butter chocolate chip bars?

This cookie bar recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, so they don’t get too gooey.

Can I mix in other ingredients for these peanut butter cup chocolate chip cookie bars?

Add other types of chocolate chips or nuts to your cookie bars for even more richness.

Can I freeze these peanut butter cup gooey cookie bars?

These peanut butter cup bars will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

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a close up shot of Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars on a wooden board

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars

5 from 30 votes
Peanut butter cup cookie bars are the ultimate in decadence with the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 16
Print RecipePin RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3½ cups flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 24 standard Reese’s peanut butter cups

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 metal baking pan (with square edges preferred) with parchment paper.
  • Add butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a standing mixer or hand mixer to beat together until creamy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until light and fluffy (2 to 3 minutes), scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  • Add flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Whisk together.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat just enough to incorporate.
  • Add semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir with a large spoon to mix.
  • Add half of the chocolate chip cookie mixture to the prepared baking pan. Flatten evenly into the pan.
  • Remove the wrappers from the Reese’s peanut butter cups and place them into the pan over the bottom layer of chocolate chip cookie dough. If needed, cut the peanut butter cups in half to fill as much of the space as possible.
  • Spoon the remaining dough over the peanut butter cups and press to spread it to cover.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until almost fully set. The top should be evenly golden brown, and the center should not jiggle much. These cookie bars are best just a little undercooked.
  • Once the cookies have cooled completely, lift them from the pan and cut them into bars.

Notes

  • This chewy cookie bar recipe yields more dough than a standard chocolate chip cookie recipe, which lends itself nicely to fully covering the pan for the base and then has enough cookie dough to cover the peanut butter cups, too. 
  • Use a piece of plastic wrap or a spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to press the dough into the pan. It tends to be a bit sticky.
  • Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for about 10 minutes to make them easier to cut.
  • Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your bars at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 692kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 608IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 4mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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    Comments

  3. Karen says

    5 stars
    I would serve these with vanilla ice cream drizzled with a peanut butter sauce and a chocolate sauce drizzled on top !! I am making these today !!

    Reply

  6. Tiffany says

    5 stars
    These look so yummy!! My boyfriend absolutely loves peanut butter and this is the perfect way to surprise him with something sweet for our date this weekend💜 I would most definitely pair this with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream, while it’s still a little warm so it’s rich and creamy!

    Reply

  8. NICOLETTE VAN RENSBURG says

    I would not change anything to this recipy it is a perfect combination of sweet and salty.So chewy and absolutely delicious!

    Reply

  10. Joanne Kane says

    These look so yummy and I would serve with vanilla ice cream for desert with family and friends and just make them to have to snack on for an afternoon delight treat. I would not add more peanut butter chips just the Choc. chips. So good!!!!

    Reply

  15. Marianne says

    5 stars
    I 1/2 the recipe and make it in a 9×9 pan as it’s expensive to get all the ingredients. It is always popular with my family.

    Reply

  17. James Rice says

    5 stars
    Absolutely decadent, especially with chocolate ice cream, you could also use vanilla ic, but the chocolate makes it sinfully delicious!

    Reply

  19. Sherry Gilbert says

    I’m contemplating making these bars for a late Christmas work meeting. I think they would be a hit!

    Reply

  20. Maureen says

    5 stars
    These look so good. I would keep the chocolate chips since we like hoseand would definitelyserve these when the neighbors come over. Nobody can turn down reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. Vanilla ice cream would put these bars over the top.

    Reply

  21. Maureen says

    5 stars
    These look so good. I would keep the chocolate chips since we like hoseand would definitelyserve these when the neighbors come over. Nobody can turn down reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips. Vanilla ice cream would put these bars over the top.
    I am tired of getting the notice that this is a duplicate. Could you please check out your comment area for problems.

    Reply

  24. Maureen says

    5 stars
    These absolutely satisfy a peanut butter chocolate fix. They have to be served with ice cream when the neighbors come over. Would definitely make these but I would keep the chocolate chips.

    Reply

  25. Rebecca says

    5 stars
    I just finished making these! They are fabulous! ( I had to try one before the guests lol) I’m serving them with ice cream for my bday treat, instead of cake. Thank you

    Reply

  26. Wanita says

    5 stars
    I think that all choices are good. But I can see me have a dark chocolate ice cream. Half melted into the bar with a small dab of whipped cream as well. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

    Reply

  27. Linda says

    I would definitely make those bars for dessert for friends and family, and serve it with a lovely dollop of homemade vanilla ice cream. I probably would not use extra peanut butter, but that is just my presence. If anything, I might use more chocolate chips.

    Reply

  29. Gabriela B. says

    Would you add more peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips to this peanut butter cup cookie bars recipe?
    – More Peanut Butter Chips + Pretzel Bits

    Reply

  32. Jacy Teele says

    5 stars
    I would probably add more chocolate. I like peanut butter and all but chocolate with peanut butter not peanut butter with chocolate 🤣

    Reply
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