These Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for any peanut butter lover.

I am a sucker for a good salty, sweet snack and I find whenever I bake with peanut butter, I am almost always guaranteed that I will get this flavor combo. And while I love peanut butter cookies, this recipe is extra special. Built on top of a simple sugar cookie base, these cookie bars are full of flavor and oh so satisfying.

Peanut butter sugar cookie bars are also super easy to make and have the best texture. They are perfectly soft and chewy. I like finishing them like a simple chocolate topping, but you can have some fun with it by adding pretzels, M&Ms or any kind of nuts too. No matter what the occasion, these peanut butter treats are one of my favorite recipes of all time.

I guarantee a tray of these cookie bars won’t last long in your kitchen, no matter what time of year it is! This easy recipe is a fun take on a traditional cookie.

I have been baking my whole life and I always keep coming back to these chewy Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Bars, so I can’t wait for you to try them! With a gooey peanut butter filling and a delicious chocolate topping, these sugar cookie bars blend all of the best flavors!

Other delicious bars to try:

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Bars

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Peanut butter
Confectioner’s sugar
Chocolate chips

Unsalted butter: In order to control the salt content of baked goods, it’s important to use unsalted butter as the salt content varies greatly from brand to brand. An overly salty baked good will result in a poor flavored product so if you are unable to use unsalted, be sure to reduce the added salt by ¼ teaspoon.

Vanilla extract: Using a high-quality pure vanilla extract gives a subtle rich sweet flavor while also bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients in the batter.

Peanut butter: For the best texture, I strongly recommend a processed creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy creamy. I do not recommend oily or natural style peanut butter in this frosting because it could separate.

Confectioners’ sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, in frostings this sugar behaves differently than granulated sugars. Confectioners’ sugar dissolves easily and provides that smooth, creamy consistency that is needed in a frosting or glaze. Do not replace with brown sugar or any other sugar.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet, dark chocolate or milk… you choose!

How to make the Sugar Cookie Base

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out (makes shaping into squares easier in the end). Set aside.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

STEP THREE: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, whisk the butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until combined. Then continue to whisk in the large egg and vanilla.

STEP FOUR: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips, orange juice and dried cranberries. The batter will be heavy and thick.

STEP FIVE: Evenly spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

STEP SIX: Remove from the oven and cool sugar cookie bars on a wire rack.

How to make Peanut Butter Filling

STEP ONE: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar. Blend well.

STEP TWO: Spread the peanut butter filling evening over the sugar cookie base.

How to make Chocolate Topping

STEP ONE: Cut the butter into small pieces and then place them in a heat-proof bowl.

STEP TWO: Pour chocolate chips evenly on top.

STEP THREE: Place the bowl in the microwave and melt in 30-second increments until smooth, stopping to stir after each time.

STEP FOUR: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes and then spread the chocolate frosting evenly on top of the peanut butter filling and sugar cookie base.

STEP FIVE: Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour or in the freezer for 30 minutes so the chocolate topping can set. Make sure the topping has set completely before slicing.

how to store

Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.

Can these Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Allow bars to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container or bag. These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge then bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQ

What Peanut Butter is Best for Peanut Butter Sugar Cookie Bars? For the best texture, use processed creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter is wonderful for eating and cooking, but I do not recommend it for this recipe as the oily consistency will cause the frosting to separate and curdle. I don’t recommend crunchy peanut butter either.

What is the best chocolate to use? My all time favorite chocolate chips to use in baking are semi sweet chocolate chips. They aren’t too sweet and melt into tender chocolate puddles. But any chocolate works!

What else can I top these bars with? For an added crunch, you can top the peanut butter sugar cookie bars with any toppings of your choosing! I recommend pretzels, peanuts, reese’s pieces or even mini M&Ms. Just make sure you add the toppings before you let the bars set in the refrigerator or freezer.

BBQ Bakers Tips & Tricks

Bring all cold ingredients to room temperature prior to making. Room temperature ingredients combine quickly and evenly, so you won’t risk over-mixing.
Line your baking dish with a parchment paper sling to make lifting bars out to slice easy-peasy.
Personally, I like these cookie bars warm and gooey, but they won’t hold their shape well if you cut the bars before they have cooled.
If you want an added crunch, I recommend adding pretzels or peanuts to the chocolate topping of these chewy bars before freezing.

These peanut butter sugar cookie bars are a fun twist on a classic peanut butter cookie and are a great alternative when you are craving cookie dough but want to in the form of sugary and chewy cookie bars.