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Some days, you just want something sweet without the hassle of dozens of ingredients or messy cleanups. That’s where these easy peanut butter cookie bars come to your rescue. With just three basic ingredients and one mixing bowl. You won’t believe these come together so fast — by the time your oven preheats, the batter’s already in the pan.
Whether you’re baking on a whim or need a last-minute dessert for guests, these bars deliver bold flavor with barely any prep. Plus, if you love minimalist recipes that don’t sacrifice taste, this one’s about to become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 3 Ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients
- No Mixer Needed – Simply stir everything together in one bowl
- Perfect Texture – Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor
- Great for Sharing – No scooping dough or waiting — just press it in, bake, slice, and share.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel
Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
You only need three basic ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural—it can be too oily)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or mix brown and white sugar for extra chewiness)
- 1 large egg (binds everything together)
Add-Ins & Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these easy add-ins and twists:
- Chocolate Chips – Add 1/2 cup for chocolate peanut butter bars
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Adds crunch and flavor depth
- Sea Salt Sprinkle – Just before baking for a gourmet touch
- Vanilla Extract – 1/2 tsp for extra richness
- Jam Swirls – For a PB&J flavor (raspberry and strawberry work great)
- Cocoa Powder – Add a tablespoon for brownie-like bars
I love tossing in chocolate chips or a jam swirl when I want something a little extra — they’re like a choose-your-own-adventure dessert.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper
- Mix ingredients – Grab a spoon and stir until everything’s well mixed — you don’t need a mixer, and that’s the beauty of it.
- Press into pan – Spread evenly into the prepared pan
- Bake 15-20 minutes – Edges should be lightly golden (center will firm up as it cools)
- Cool completely before slicing into bars
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overbake – The bars will firm up as they cool
- Let them set – Cutting too soon can make them messy
- Add toppings – Melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt adds extra flavor
- Storage – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days
When to Serve These Bars
These bars are ideal for so many occasions:
- Afternoon snacks with coffee or milk
- Lunchbox treats for kids
- Last-minute desserts when guests drop by
- Potlucks and bake sales – travels well and stays soft
They’re also perfect for new bakers or as a gateway bake for children!
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these peanut butter cookie bars warm with a glass of milk, or try these easy upgrades:
- Ice Cream Sandwich – Layer between vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Drizzle – Melt dark chocolate over top
- PB&J Style – Spread with strawberry jam
Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter not natural
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Pinch of salt optional
- ¼ cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth. Add vanilla and salt if using.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Center will look slightly soft.
- Cool completely in pan (about 30 minutes) before cutting into bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Tips:
- Room Temp: Keep in airtight container for 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly, store for 2 months
- Refresh: Microwave 10 seconds to restore soft texture
FAQs about Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
What are the ingredients for 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies?
The basic recipe uses just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. These same ingredients work for both cookies and bars – the only difference is the baking method.
Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
This usually happens if: You used natural peanut butter (too oily). Didn’t include the egg (it’s the binder). Tried to cut or move them before they cooled completely.
What is the difference between a cookie and a cookie bar?
Cookie bars :
– Baked in a single pan and cut into squares
– Often softer and chewier than individual cookies
– Faster to make since you don’t portion dough
Why won’t my peanut butter cookies harden?
If your bars stay too soft:
You may have underbaked them (they continue to set as they cool),
or you used too much peanut butter or the wrong kind
Final Thoughts
These easy peanut butter cookie bars are the ultimate quick dessert—simple, delicious, and always a hit. For more easy-to-make treats, try our Banana Chocolate Chip Bars — moist, chocolatey, and ready in minutes.
These are the bars I make when I want something sweet and fuss-free — and honestly, I’ve never had leftovers.
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