Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers soft, chewy cookie bars infused with deep peanut butter flavor and topped with a simple yet irresistible glaze. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars are easy to slice and share, making them perfect for gatherings. The glaze adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter taste. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Creamy peanut butter
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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All-purpose flour
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Baking soda
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Salt
For the glaze:
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Powdered sugar
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Milk or cream
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Bake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set but still soft.
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Prepare glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
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Glaze bars: Pour glaze over warm cookie bars and spread evenly. Allow glaze to set before slicing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 bars
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
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Cooling and glazing: 15 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate drizzle: Add melted chocolate drizzle on top of the glaze for extra decadence.
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Crunchy twist: Mix in chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips into the batter for added texture.
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Salted glaze: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the glaze before it sets for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
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Reheating: Warm bars briefly in the microwave or oven to soften the glaze and enhance the chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter may make the batter more oily and affect texture slightly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to substitute regular flour.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds sweetness and moisture but can be omitted if preferred.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger baking pan.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for the glaze.
How do I store these bars to keep them chewy?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter is a delicious addition.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they taste great when made a day in advance and stored properly.
What if the glaze is too thick?
Add a small amount of milk to thin it out to the desired consistency.
Can I use powdered peanut butter?
Powdered peanut butter may change the texture; it’s best to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe.
Conclusion
Chewy Glazed Peanut Butter Cookie Bars offer a perfect blend of rich peanut butter flavor and soft, chewy texture, topped with a sweet glaze that adds a lovely finish. Easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, these bars are a wonderful treat for everyday snacking or special occasions. Enjoy the comforting taste of peanut butter in a convenient bar form!
Chewy Glazed Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Enjoy soft, chewy peanut butter cookie bars topped with a sweet, glossy glaze. This easy recipe yields delicious bars bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and a smooth vanilla glaze — perfect for dessert or an anytime snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
- While bars bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to make the glaze. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Remove bars from oven and immediately drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm bars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
- Use creamy peanut butter for best texture.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk.
