Get ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a gooey, chewy delight! These Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for any sweet tooth, offering a perfect balance of rich, creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be savoring these decadent treats in no time. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your kitchen smell heavenly—let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and ensuring the top is smooth and level.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should still look slightly soft but set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for about 1 hour before cutting into 16 equal squares. This helps them set and makes clean cutting easier.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter. This helps in achieving that light and fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the soft, gooey texture we love.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time! The bars should be lightly golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Cooling Time is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This will help them firm up, making it easier to achieve clean, even squares.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bars! Try adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra special touch.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for longer-lasting deliciousness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
