How do you keep peanut butter cookie bars soft and chewy?

The key is not to overbake. Remove them when the edges look golden and the center still looks slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, keeping that soft, chewy texture.

Can I make these cookie bars without eggs or flour?

Absolutely. They’re already flourless, and you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water). The bars will be a bit softer but still delicious.

What kind of peanut butter works best for baking?

Creamy, natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) gives the best results. Avoid brands with added oils or sugar — they can make the texture greasy or overly dense.

Are peanut butter cookie bars healthy or high in protein?

They’re a balanced dessert with about 6 grams of protein per bar, thanks to the peanut butter. They’re gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free too. For a higher-protein twist, you can mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and adjust the sugar slightly.

Can I freeze peanut butter cookie bars for later?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap each bar individually in parchment or plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. They thaw perfectly in about 30 minutes.

Irresistible 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (Soft, Chewy & Gluten-Free)

Name: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (Soft, Chewy & Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened); ½ cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg (room temperature); ¼ cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of flaky sea salt for topping

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (Soft, Chewy & Gluten-Free)

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These 3-ingredient peanut butter cookie bars are soft, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. Made with just creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and an egg, they come together in under 25 minutes for a cozy, classic treat that tastes homemade and irresistibly rich.

Author: Sophie Bennett - Top Choice Recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg (room temperature)

Optional Add-Ins:

¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of flaky sea salt for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg. Stir together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
Add Optional Mix-Ins
Fold in any optional add-ins like dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, or a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. Mix just until combined.
Spread the Batter
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press and smooth the mixture evenly into the corners.
Bake the Bars
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center looks slightly set. Do not overbake — the bars will firm up as they cool.
Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Lift them out using the parchment paper and set on a cooling rack.
Slice and Serve
Once fully cooled, cut into 9 large or 12 small bars. Enjoy them warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a denser, chewy bite.

Notes

For a nut-free version, use almond or sunflower seed butter.
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a refined-sugar-free option.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Find it online: https://www.topchoicerecipes.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookie-bars/