Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, these easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars come together in one bowl and bake up golden brown in just 25 minutes. They’re the perfect quick dessert for holidays, parties, or weeknight sweet cravings. No scooping, no chilling, just slice and serve!
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cups unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 Nutter Butter cookies, coarsely chopped (plus 6 whole cookies)
- 1 cup peanut butter chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the 2 long opposite sides (so it's easier to lift the bars from the pan), then lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the brown sugar, melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and add in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add baking powder and beat until combined.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour until only a few dry streaks remain. Fold in the chopped cookies and ⅔ cups of peanut butter chips.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread evenly. Twist the remaining 6 cookies apart, then press, ridge side up, into the batter. Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of chips on top.
- Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until the bars are a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars will be softer in texture once cooled. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- Bars will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: place bars in a single layer and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely at room temperature.
- See my tips and tricks for making these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars above the recipe box.
- Recipe lightly adapted from Delish magazine - Fall 2025