Soft, Chewy & Irresistibly Peanut Buttery – The Ultimate Easy Dessert!
✨ Introduction
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a simpler, faster way to enjoy classic peanut butter cookies—no rolling or chilling required! With just 5 ingredients, they’re:
✅ Ready in 40 minutes (start to finish!)
✅ Naturally egg-free (great for allergies)
✅ Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural—use conventional for best texture)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt (omit if using salted peanut butter)
Optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts for crunch
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
- Cream together peanut butter, butter, and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in flour and salt until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Fold in add-ins (chocolate chips, peanuts) if using.
3. Bake & Cool
- Press dough evenly into the pan.
- Bake 20–25 mins until edges are golden.
- Cool completely before cutting (they firm up as they cool!).
4. Slice & Serve
- Cut into 12 squares or 24 smaller bars.
- Pair with milk or drizzle with melted chocolate.
🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
🍫 Flavor Boosters:
- Swirl in ¼ cup jam before baking.
- Top with sea salt after baking for sweet-salty contrast.
🔥 Baking Secrets:
- Underbake slightly (20 mins) for extra-soft bars.
- Use room temp butter for easier mixing.
⏳ Storage Tips:
- Room temp: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly for 1 month. Thaw at room temp.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! For extra texture, but creamy gives a smoother bite.
2. Why are my bars crumbly?
- Overbaked → Check at 20 mins.
- Too much flour → Measure with the spoon-and-level method.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute GF all-purpose flour 1:1.
4. How do I make them vegan?
Use vegan butter and ensure peanut butter has no honey.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger sheet pan or bake in batches.
🍯 Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously addictive—whether you’re a kid or just kid-at-heart!
“Warning: You won’t stop at just one!” ⚠️
Tag us in your creations! 📸 #PeanutButterBarBliss
