Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops

peanut butter yogurt bars

Imagine biting into a cookie bar that is soft in the center, slightly chewy at the edges, and crowned with a golden, crackled top. Now imagine that bar also has the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, the nutty richness of peanut butter, and the indulgence of a cookie-meets-pie hybrid. That is exactly what you get with Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops. These bars look bakery-worthy, yet they are surprisingly easy to make at home. The Greek yogurt lightens the texture and adds subtle tang, while peanut butter delivers its familiar comfort. Together, they create a unique dessert that feels decadent yet balanced.

Whether you bake for a family gathering, meal prep sweet snacks for the week, or want an impressive dessert for guests, these cookie pie bars rise to the occasion. With simple pantry ingredients and a few careful steps, you’ll be serving up squares that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For best results, measure each ingredient carefully.

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened or natural, well-stirred)
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (plain, whole milk for creaminess)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for added texture)
  • Powdered sugar (light dusting for presentation, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift bars out easily after baking.
  3. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cream the Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and smooth. This should take about 3 minutes.
  2. Add peanut butter and mix again until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  2. Stir in Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can toughen the bars.

Step 5: Add Chocolate (Optional)

Fold in mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

  1. Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top has a crackled appearance and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
  3. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

  1. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles.
  2. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired for presentation.

Conservation and Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Extend freshness by refrigerating in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a warm treat.

Variations

Nut Butter Options

  • Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty profile.
  • Use sunflower seed butter to make the recipe nut-free.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredients for warmth.
  • Drizzle baked bars with melted chocolate or peanut butter for extra indulgence.
  • Stir in ½ cup chopped nuts for crunch.

Sweetness Adjustments

  • Reduce sugar slightly and add a drizzle of honey for a natural sweetness.
  • Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk for a richer, less sweet variation.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Dessert: Serve squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a bar alongside hot coffee or a latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Party Platter: Arrange squares on a tray dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant dessert spread.
  • Breakfast Treat: Pair a bar with fresh fruit and yogurt for a sweet morning option.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

  1. Do not overmix after adding the flour; this ensures tender, chewy bars.
  2. Check early: Ovens vary, so check doneness at 25 minutes. You want a crackled top and moist crumbs.
  3. Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth blending.
  4. Cool before slicing: Cutting too soon will crumble the bars instead of giving clean slices.
  5. Balance sweetness: If your peanut butter is already sweetened, reduce sugar by 2–3 tablespoons.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops prove that indulgence and balance can coexist. The peanut butter offers richness, the Greek yogurt adds lightness, and the crackled tops make them visually irresistible. With endless room for variation, these bars can be dressed up for parties or kept simple for weekday snacking. Easy to prepare, easy to store, and easy to customize, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Once you make it, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular dessert rotation.

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Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops


  • Author: hafsahafsa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy, and crowned with beautiful crackled tops, these Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars are a bakery-style treat made simple. Greek yogurt adds tang and tenderness, while peanut butter provides nutty richness. Perfect for snacking, parties, or a sweet breakfast treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened or natural, well-stirred)

¾ cup Greek yogurt (plain, whole milk for creaminess)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs (room temperature)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Powdered sugar (light dusting, optional)


Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Grease lightly.

Cream the Base

Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (3 minutes).

Mix in peanut butter until smooth.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

Stir in Greek yogurt and vanilla.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Add gradually to wet mixture. Stir until just combined.

Add Chocolate (Optional)

Fold in mini chocolate chips.

Bake the Bars

Spread batter evenly in pan.

Bake 25–30 minutes until crackled on top and toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Cool and Slice

Cool 15 minutes before lifting out.

Slice into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix after adding flour—keeps bars soft.

Check at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Use room temp eggs and butter for best blending.

Cool fully before slicing for neat cuts.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars, peanut butter cookie bars, Greek yogurt dessert, chewy cookie bars

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