One-Bowl Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookie bars made in one bowl, perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, large eggs 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup creamy peanut butter with 1 cup granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer for 1 minute until creamy.
- Step 3: Add 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are set and top is lightly golden but center is still soft.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 12 bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Bowl Peanut Butter Cookie Bars take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 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 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 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 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 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.
