Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It evokes childhood memories of lunchboxes packed with peanut butter sandwiches and treats that feel like a warm hug. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a delicious way to capture that nostalgia in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, enjoying as an afternoon snack, or satisfying your late-night cravings, these bars are rich, sweet, and oh-so-good. Let’s get baking!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy peanut butter gives them a soft, chewy texture, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of decadence. You can whip them up in under an hour, making it a quick option for a dessert or snack. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep – bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week. No more boring snacks when you have these decadent bars on hand!

Ingredients

To create these luscious bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ cup brown sugar, tightly packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will provide the necessary structure to your bars, so ensuring it’s well-mixed is key.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated. Finally, gently fold in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to denser bars. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring that every bite is filled with chocolaty goodness.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is melted and cooled to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.
• For an extra creamy texture, you can slightly warm the peanut butter before adding it to the wet ingredients.
• Do not overbake the bars, as they will continue to cook a little after being removed from the oven.
• For even more flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty combination.

Variations and Customizations

• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• If you prefer, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips to suit your taste.
• Incorporate oats into the mixture for a chewy texture by replacing half a cup of flour with rolled oats.
• Try drizzling melted chocolate or frosting on top of the bars once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For even longer storage, cut them into squares and freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-friendly bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQ

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may result in a slightly different texture due to its oil content. Stir it well before measuring to ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.

What can I substitute for the egg if I want to make it egg-free?

You can replace one large egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup of yogurt, or one flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary slightly depending on the type of flour used.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they will firm up while cooling.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are not only a delightful treat but also a versatile one that you can tweak to your liking. With a rich peanut butter flavor and pockets of melted chocolate, each bite is a party in your mouth. Get ready to enjoy a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for an easy dessert option, or simply craving something sweet, these bars will not disappoint. Happy baking!