Ready to whip up these chewy, nutty delights? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. If using mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped peanuts, fold them in gently at this stage.

Step 4: Press Into the Pan

1. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, creating a smooth, uniform layer.
2. For a decorative touch, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
2. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
3. Drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate if desired, and serve.