Name: Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (180 g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate); ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 1 egg + 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (75 g) peanut butter chips (optional, for extra peanut butter flavor!)

Creamy peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars create a dessert that melts hearts faster than butter on a warm skillet.

Sweet memories of childhood baking rush back with each decadent bite.

Soft edges and gooey centers promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking comfort in a classic treat.

Rich chocolate chunks nestled within buttery dough deliver unexpected moments of bliss.

Crisp outer layers give way to an irresistibly tender interior that begs for another square.

Mixing this simple recipe takes less than fifteen minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings.

You’ll want to savor every delicious morsel and share these irresistible bars with someone special.

Effortless Dessert
Mix ingredients in one bowl with minimal whisking and stirring, perfect for beginner bakers wanting delicious results without complicated steps.
Combines classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an instant hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
Takes only 30 minutes total from start to finish, with just 20-25 minutes of baking time, allowing busy home cooks to whip up a decadent dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Easily cut into bars of different sizes, works great for casual snacking, packed lunches, or elegant dessert platters with minimal presentation effort.

What Goes into These Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Peanut Butter: Rich, creamy base that creates a moist and tender texture with deep nutty flavor.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that help caramelize and provide soft, chewy consistency.
Egg, Egg Yolk: Binding agents that add richness and help create a tender structure.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie bars, providing necessary framework.
Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Flavor Add-Ins:

Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips: Delicious morsels that create pockets of melty chocolate and extra peanut butter flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Aromatic ingredient that deepens and rounds out the overall taste profile.

Step 1: Set Up the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:

Melted butter
Creamy peanut butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whisk everything until it looks smooth and glossy.

Crack in an egg and an extra egg yolk.

Pour in vanilla extract.

Blend until the mixture looks silky and well-combined.

Step 3: Create the Cookie Dough

Sprinkle in:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Stir gently until just mixed – don’t overmix!

Fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the hot oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges look set but the center remains slightly soft.

Let the bars chill in the pan for 15 minutes.

Lift out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into delicious squares.

Enjoy your gooey, indulgent treat!

Pro Tips for That Perfect Gooey Texture

Prevent Overbaking: Check bars at 20 minutes to maintain that irresistible gooey center, as every oven varies slightly in temperature and performance.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Select high-fat, creamy peanut butter and good-quality chocolate chips for maximum flavor and rich texture in your bars.
Customize Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips with butterscotch, white chocolate, or add chopped nuts for personalized flavor variations that suit your taste.
Perfect Cooling Technique: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly, which helps achieve clean, neat cutting lines and prevents crumbling.
Storage Hack: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to extend freshness and maintain their soft texture.

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Restore softness by microwaving a bar for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.

Smooth, cold milk perfectly balances the rich, warm chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a classic dessert experience that feels like a childhood memory.
A strong espresso cuts through the sweetness, offering a robust contrast that enhances the cookie bar's decadent texture and deepens the overall taste profile.
Velvety caramel ice cream amplifies the dessert's gooey nature, adding another layer of indulgent sweetness that makes each bite more luxurious and satisfying.
A smooth hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico provides a nutty undertone that beautifully echoes the peanut butter, creating a sophisticated adult dessert moment.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and chewy while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based friendly dessert that maintains the rich, indulgent flavor profile.
Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or alternative seed spreads, allowing individuals with nut allergies to enjoy a similar cookie bar experience without compromising taste.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa percentage to decrease overall sugar while maintaining a satisfying sweetness.

Questions About These Gooey Bars? Answered!

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

Natural peanut butter can work, but it might change the texture. Stir it well and drain excess oil before using to prevent a greasy result.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out mostly clean, while the middle remains slightly gooey.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type of chip?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate, butterscotch, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just keep the total amount of chips the same.

Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugar?

Yes, the combination creates a better texture and deeper flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps with crispness and structure.

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

Program: Certificate in Patisserie
Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

Irresistible Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe