Deliciously Easy & Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars: The Ultimate Blondie Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with these incredibly easy-to-make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars. Crafted for maximum flavor and minimal fuss, these blondies are dense, delightfully chewy, and generously loaded with the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, they make a fantastic treat for any occasion, all year round!
Do you ever find yourself yearning for a sweet treat that requires absolutely no fuss? We all have those moments when a complex baking project simply isn’t in the cards, but the desire for something homemade and delicious is strong. Whether it’s a spontaneous dessert for a weeknight, a last-minute contribution to a potluck, or simply a craving for something simple and sweet, an easy recipe is a true lifesaver. For me, these peanut butter chocolate chip blondies are my go-to when that happens. They’re a beacon of baking simplicity, delivering big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen or a special trip to the grocery store.
Blondies, often considered the “blonde” counterpart to brownies, share many of their best qualities. They are renowned for their incredibly moist, dense, and wonderfully chewy texture. The key distinction lies in the flavor profile: while brownies boast a rich, deep chocolate base from cocoa powder or melted chocolate, blondies celebrate the delightful caramel notes of brown sugar, often complemented by vanilla, butterscotch, or, in this case, a generous amount of peanut butter. This absence of cocoa powder is what gives them their characteristic “blonde” hue and allows other flavors to shine through beautifully.
To be completely honest, I almost didn’t share this recipe because of how incredibly straightforward it is. Sometimes, the simplest creations feel too basic to be a “recipe.” However, experience has taught me that often, the most straightforward and easy recipes are the ones that become cherished favorites. They’re the ones you turn to again and again because they consistently deliver exceptional results with minimal effort. This particular recipe for peanut butter chocolate chip bars is a prime example. You can literally mix all the ingredients in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it uses common pantry staples, so chances are, you already have everything you need on hand to whip up a batch right now. And if you’re feeling adventurous, these bars are incredibly versatile – easily swap out the classic chocolate chips for a different kind of chip or candy, like peanut butter chips or even chopped Reese’s pieces, to match your mood or whatever you have in your pantry.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
The beauty of these peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars lies in their concise and accessible ingredient list. You likely have most, if not all, of these items already in your kitchen. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy, dense texture and incredible flavor:
- Unsalted Butter: I highly recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. This gives you complete control over the total salt content, as the amount of salt in salted butter can vary significantly between brands. If salted butter is all you have, feel free to use it, but be sure to omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to prevent your bars from becoming too salty. Melting the butter before mixing ensures a smooth batter and contributes to the bars’ dense, fudgy texture.
- Brown Sugar: This is a superstar ingredient for blondies! Brown sugar is essential for both flavor and texture. Its molasses content not only imparts a rich, deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs exquisitely with peanut butter but also adds extra moisture to the batter. This additional moisture is key to making these blondies incredibly chewy and helps prevent them from becoming dry. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark brown sugar will yield a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best results, stick with a creamy, “no-stir” peanut butter brand like Jif or Skippy. These types of peanut butter are stable and consistent, ensuring the correct fat-to-solids ratio for the batter. Natural peanut butter, which often separates, can sometimes result in an oily texture in baked goods due as its oil content can vary. This recipe thrives on the classic, creamy consistency of conventional peanut butter.
- Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the bars together and contributing to their structure. It also adds moisture and richness, enhancing the overall texture. Ensure your egg is at room temperature before adding it to the batter. A room temperature egg emulsifies more easily with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Don’t underestimate the power of good vanilla! Pure vanilla extract significantly enhances the flavor of both the peanut butter and chocolate, adding a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert. While imitation vanilla can be used, pure vanilla offers a far superior taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides the main structure for these bars. When measuring, it’s crucial to “spoon and level” the flour. This means gently spooning the flour into your measuring cup and then leveling off the top with a straight edge (like a knife). Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour, which can result in dry, crumbly bars.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is vital. It doesn’t just add seasoning; it acts as a flavor enhancer, amplifying the rich notes of both the peanut butter and chocolate, and perfectly balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the classic choice and for good reason! Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter without being overly cloying. However, feel free to use your favorite kind – milk chocolate chips for a sweeter treat, dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist. You can also mix and match!
How to Make Your Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Whipping up these delightful bars is remarkably simple and follows a classic blondie method. The process is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, promoting even baking. Next, prepare an 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This overhang acts as “handles,” making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of baked bars out of the pan once cooled, allowing for clean cuts without damaging the bars. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking, then set the prepared pan aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. The sugar should begin to dissolve into the warm butter, creating a cohesive base. Then, add in the creamy peanut butter, the room temperature egg, and the pure vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until all these wet ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. This forms the rich, flavorful foundation of your blondies.
3. Combine with Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to introduce the dry components. Add the all-purpose flour (remember to spoon and level it for accuracy!) and the salt to your wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until the flour is *just* combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dry bars rather than the desired chewy texture. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine; they’ll disappear during the next step.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once the flour is just incorporated, gently fold in your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. If desired, you can reserve a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking; this creates a beautiful presentation and ensures melty chocolate pools on the surface. Gently press any additional chips you sprinkle on top into the batter to ensure they adhere.
5. Bake to Perfection
Scoop the prepared batter into your foil-lined baking pan and use your spatula to spread it into one even layer. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The baking time is crucial for achieving that perfectly moist and chewy interior. You’ll know the blondies are done when the edges look lightly golden and set, and the center appears firm, but a toothpick inserted into the center may still come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). They will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s important not to overbake them, which can lead to dry bars. Trust me, underbaked is better than overbaked when it comes to blondies!
6. Cool Completely Before Cutting
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven. This part requires patience, but it’s essential! Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, or ideally completely, before attempting to cut them. Cooling allows the bars to set properly and intensify their chewy texture. If you try to cut them too soon, they may crumble or be too soft. Once cooled, use the foil overhangs to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan onto a cutting board, then slice them into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Storage Instructions and Freezing Tips
One of the many great things about these peanut butter chocolate chip bars is how well they store, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. To maintain their freshness and chewy texture, store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully delicious for up to 4 days. If you find them getting a little firm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can bring back some of their delightful chewiness.
These bars also freeze exceptionally well, which is fantastic if you want to bake a big batch or save some for a future craving. To freeze, wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and helps maintain their moisture. Once wrapped, place the bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them to room temperature on the counter for a few hours, or warm them gently in the microwave for a quicker treat. They taste just as good as freshly baked!
Pro Baking Tips for Ultimate Blondie Success
Achieving the perfect peanut butter chocolate chip blondie is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: As mentioned, for the most consistent and best results, always opt for a creamy, no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, with its varying oil content, can sometimes lead to an oilier or crumbly texture in baked goods.
- Get Creative with Mix-Ins: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, these blondies are a fantastic canvas for experimentation! Don’t hesitate to substitute the chocolate chips with your favorite chopped candy bar pieces, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips for an extra peanut butter punch, or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Measure Flour Accurately: This is a golden rule in baking, especially for bars and cookies. Always “spoon and level” your all-purpose flour. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, causing you to add too much. Excess flour will absorb too much moisture, leading to dry, crumbly, and tough peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars instead of the moist and chewy perfection we’re aiming for.
- Don’t Overbake: Blondies are notoriously easy to overbake. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be set and lightly golden, and the center should look just set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, they will continue to set and firm up as they cool, so pulling them out a minute or two early is often better than leaving them in too long.
- Patience with Cooling: Resist the urge to cut into them immediately! Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is crucial for their texture and for neat, clean slices. Warm blondies are delicious but can be crumbly and difficult to handle.
More Peanut Butter Desserts to Satisfy Your Cravings!
If you’re a true peanut butter enthusiast, these bars are just the beginning! The delightful combination of peanut butter and sweet treats is endless. Here are a few more irresistible peanut butter dessert ideas to add to your baking (or no-baking!) repertoire:
- Soft & Chewy Monster Cookies: A classic cookie packed with peanut butter, oats, M&M’s, and chocolate chips for a truly monstrous flavor experience.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Combining the heartiness of oats with the beloved duo of peanut butter and chocolate chips for a comforting, chewy cookie.
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: When you need a quick fix without turning on the oven, these layered bars offer the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter in a convenient, no-bake format.
- Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies: A stovetop classic, these cookies are ready in minutes and deliver a satisfyingly chewy, peanut buttery, and oaty bite.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars: For those who love a sweet and salty combination, these bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust topped with a rich peanut butter layer and a chocolate topping.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a comforting snack, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity, paired with their irresistible flavor and texture, makes them a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter , melted
- 1 cup (200 grams) light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour , spooned & leveled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (95 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips , plus more to sprinkle on top
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal, and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter and brown sugar. Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add in the flour and salt and mix until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chips.
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Scoop the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it around into one even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired and gently press them into the top of the blondies.
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Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until the top of the blondies are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into the bars.
Notes
To freeze: Blondies will freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag/container. Thaw to room temperature before serving.
Peanut Butter: Be sure to use a creamy no-stir peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.