One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, chewy cookie bars packed with peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips, made easily without multiple bowls. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 American cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined.
  3. Step 3: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and uniform.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
  5. Step 5: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  7. Step 7: Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Bowl Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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