Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Delicious peanut butter cookie bars combine creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips with oats for a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixer bowl, beat butter and peanut butter for 30 seconds.
- Add sugars and beat until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add to the mixture and beat until blended.
- Stir in the oats.
- Spread into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you prefer a nut-free option, substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter. You can also add chopped nuts or use different types of chocolate, like white chocolate chips, for variety. Make sure to not overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tougher bars.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter cookie bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with chocolate sauce. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a slice of Jenny'S Spice Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut butter cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Cookie Bars contains roughly 1120 calories, with 9g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to choose a variety that doesn't separate too much. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar slightly, as natural peanut butter is often less sweet than conventional peanut butter.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! These cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes). Both options work well to bind the ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).