Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These cookie bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and oats into a chewy, satisfying treat. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert, they offer a delightful balance of texture and taste. With optional chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, these bars can be customized to your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts if using.
7. Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the pan if using parchment paper, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, use rolled oats rather than quick oats.
• Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
• Swap chopped peanuts for walnuts or almonds to change the nutty flavor.
• To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm slightly before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but natural peanut butter may make the bars denser and less smooth. Stir well before measuring, and consider adding a little more melted butter if the batter feels too thick.

Do I have to use both brown and granulated sugar?

Using both sugars balances the sweetness and moisture, but you can substitute with all brown sugar for a chewier texture or all granulated sugar for a crisper bar.

Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

These chewy and delicious Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and buttery sweetness with the hearty texture of oats. Enhanced with optional chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, they make a perfect snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare and bake in a single pan.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
6. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Add oats and extras: Stir in the old-fashioned oats along with the optional chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, folding evenly throughout the batter.
8. Spread batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for consistent thickness.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still moist.
10. Cool in pan: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes to firm up and become easier to handle.
11. Transfer to rack: If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Slice and serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve as a sweet snack or dessert.

Notes

• For easier removal, line the baking dish with parchment paper instead of just greasing it.
• Substitute chocolate chips or chopped peanuts with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for variation.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Ensure not to overbake to keep the bars chewy and moist rather than dry.

Keywords: peanut butter bars, cookie bars, oatmeal cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, easy dessert, baked snack