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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
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These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a quick and easy homemade dessert featuring a soft and chewy texture with rich peanut butter flavor. Perfect for busy schedules and made with simple pantry ingredients, they offer a comforting treat loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins and Variations

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) – optional
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for extra chewiness – optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or pretzel bits for crunchy texture – optional
  • Sunflower seed butter as a nut allergy substitute
  • 1 flax egg and dairy-free butter for vegan version

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agent and seasoning throughout the batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, forming the moist and flavorful base of your bars.
  4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and soft.
  5. Add Mix-ins: If desired, fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins at this stage for even distribution.
  6. Spread and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares to ensure neat cutting.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even texture.
  • Measure flour accurately by spooning into measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dry bars.
  • Do not overbake; keep an eye during the last few minutes to maintain moist, chewy centers.
  • Add mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts after combining wet and dry ingredients for even distribution.
  • Cut bars only when fully cooled to prevent crumbling.
  • Natural peanut butter can be used but may result in denser bars due to higher oil content.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Replace egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer for egg-free or vegan variation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cookie bars, quick dessert, soft chewy bars, easy baking, peanut butter dessert, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/peanut-butter-cookie-bars/