If you're a fan of the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. They're quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family at any gathering.
Peanut butter is the star of the show, delivering a nutty, creamy base that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Using smooth peanut butter ensures the bars have a uniform texture. For the butter, melting it allows for an even incorporation into the batter, making the bars wonderfully moist. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while granulated sugar balances it with a bit of crispness. Eggs provide structure and lift, while vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures the bars rise just right. A pinch of salt rounds out the flavors, and all-purpose flour forms the backbone of the dough. Finally, semi-sweet chocolate chips add those delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
These bars are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa, especially during colder months.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your bars bake evenly. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper; it makes removing the bars a breeze later on.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the foundation for your bars, so take a minute to ensure everything is well mixed.
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated. This step brings richness and depth to your mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. It's important to whisk these dry ingredients together to avoid any clumps in your batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tougher bars.
Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This ensures every bite has that perfect chocolatey goodness.
Spread the dough into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set up properly, making them easier to slice.
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