Soft, chewy peanut butter chocolate chip bars are filled with rich peanut butter flavor and melty chocolate chips-an easy, one-pan dessert that's perfect for sharing.

These bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that never disappoints. They're bursting with peanut butter flavor, with a soft, chewy center and chocolate in every bite.

If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you already know it's one of my favorites-from peanut butter cheesecake brownies to peanut butter stuffed chocolate cookies. These peanut butter chocolate chip bars deliver that same rich, satisfying flavor in an even simpler format.

Cookies in bar form are one of the easiest desserts to make. There's no scooping or chilling involved, and everything bakes in a single 8×8-inch pan, slicing neatly for easy sharing.

Ingredients You'll Need

• All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt: pantry basics for baked goods.
• Eggs: add richness and provide a binding agent.
• Vanilla extract: always use pure vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
• Unsalted butter: melted butter helps create a chewier texture.
• Light brown sugar: adds chewiness, moisture, and caramel notes.
• Creamy peanut butter: the star ingredient for rich peanut butter flavor (I have not tested this recipe with natural peanut butter; I used creamy Jif).
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: adds sweetness and complements the peanut butter. You can also use chopped chocolate for a stronger flavor and gooier texture.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Start by preparing an 8×8-inch metal pan. Brush the bottom and sides with a small amount of melted butter, then line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to make removing the bars easier later.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. A metal pan will give you the most even bake, but a glass pan will work as well-just expect the bars to take slightly longer in the oven.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder and set aside. In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract until combined. Having everything ready before you start mixing makes the batter come together quickly.

Instead of creaming the butter and sugar, which would give these bars a more cake-like texture, this recipe uses melted butter for a softer, denser result. Melt the butter gently in a medium saucepan over low heat (or microwave).

Remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has mostly dissolved. It's important not to overheat or boil the mixture-warm is all you need. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.

Whisk the egg mixture into the cooled butter and sugar until fully incorporated. Once combined, add the peanut butter and mix with an electric mixer until smooth and cohesive. This step helps ensure the peanut butter is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Add the dry ingredients along with the chocolate chips to the wet ingredients. Fold everything together with a rubber spatula just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix-overworking the batter will give you a firmer, more cake-like bar instead of a soft and chewy one.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using an offset spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, keeping a close eye toward the end. The top should look lightly golden and set.

Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Once cooled, use the parchment overhangs to lift the slab out of the pan. If any edges are sticking, gently loosen them with a butter knife. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 16 even squares.

Storage and Make-Ahead

These peanut butter chocolate chip bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

For long-term storage, you can either freeze the whole slab before cutting by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap, or cut into squares and place them in an airtight container. They can stay frozen for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but they're just as good dressed up a bit. Serve at room temperature for clean slices and the best texture, or warm slightly to soften the chocolate.

For a more indulgent dessert, pair a bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a little warm chocolate sauce. They're also perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

If serving for a gathering, arrange the bars on a platter and cut them smaller for easy snacking. Their sturdy texture makes them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or packing into lunchboxes.