Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 2 sticks of salted butter, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla. Add the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in 2-3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl. In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until it is slightly runny. This makes it easier to swirl into the cookie bars.
- Step 7: Combine and Swirl. Spread the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the warmed peanut butter over the cookie dough. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the dough, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 8: Bake. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool and Cut. Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to add nuts or other mix-ins for extra flavor and texture.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.