Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and the heaping cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and optional pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Gently fold in the roughly chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, slice into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars!