Few desserts strike the balance between indulgent and wholesome like Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops. These bars combine everything you love about classic cookies—the chewy bite, the golden crackled top, the sweet aroma of baking—with a creamy, slightly tangy twist from Greek yogurt. The result? A dessert that feels both nostalgic and modern.
Unlike standard cookie bars loaded only with butter, these bars swap in Greek yogurt for added moisture and protein. The peanut butter provides richness and that beloved nutty flavor, while the sugar and egg ensure structure and those delightful crackled tops. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, packing treats into lunchboxes, or simply indulging on a cozy evening, these bars offer a treat that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 16 squares from a 9×9-inch baking pan. Be precise with measurements for consistent results.
For the Bars
1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter – smooth variety for even mixing
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – key for the crackled surface
¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar – adds chewiness and depth
½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt – use 2% or full-fat for best texture
1 large egg – at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – pure for richer flavor
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled
½ teaspoon baking soda – to help with lift
¼ teaspoon kosher salt – balances the sweetness
½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips – optional but recommended
Optional Garnish
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Drizzle of melted chocolate or warmed peanut butter after baking
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for lifting later.
Step 2: Cream the Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 2 minutes until smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for creating the shiny, crackled tops.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The batter will look creamy and slightly thick.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
If using, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for extra bursts of sweetness.
Step 6: Spread the Batter
Transfer the thick batter into your prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into 16 even squares. For neat cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices.
Tips for Perfecting the Bars
Stick with creamy peanut butter: Natural peanut butter separates and may affect texture.
Don’t skimp on sugar: The granulated sugar is key to those iconic crackled tops.
Room temperature egg matters: It blends better into the batter and prevents clumps.
Watch the bake time: Overbaking can dry out the bars. Pull them when they’re just set in the center.
Let them cool: Cutting too soon can cause crumbling. Cooling firms them up for clean edges.
Conservation and Storage
These bars keep well, making them ideal for baking ahead.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Extend freshness up to 5 days by refrigerating. Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.
Variations
This recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes:
Swirled Bars: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of jam, Nutella, or extra peanut butter before baking for a marbled effect.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans for extra bite.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder with the flour for a double-chocolate version.
Seasonal Spice: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dry mix for a fall-inspired batch.
Protein Boost: Replace ¼ cup flour with a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter protein powder.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are versatile enough for casual snacking or dressed-up dessert spreads.
Simple Snack: Pair with a glass of milk or cup of coffee for a quick treat.
Dessert Platter: Arrange with brownies, lemon bars, and cookies for variety at parties.
With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of caramel sauce.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack smaller squares for kids’ lunches or after-school snacks.
Gift Idea: Wrap individually in wax paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift.
Conclusion: A Dessert That Does It All
Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops prove that baking can be both simple and rewarding. The peanut butter offers nutty richness, the Greek yogurt ensures moistness and a slight tang, and the sugar creates that irresistible crackled finish. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet balanced, classic yet modern.
Whether you serve them at a gathering, tuck them into lunchboxes, or enjoy them with a quiet cup of coffee, these bars deliver every time. With endless variation options, easy storage, and straightforward preparation, they deserve a permanent place in your baking rotation.
Once you try these, you’ll see why they’re more than just another cookie bar—they’re a deliciously versatile treat with the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Print
Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Cookie Pie Bars with Crackled Tops
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chewy, nutty peanut butter cookie pie bars are lightened with Greek yogurt and topped with signature golden crackled tops. They’re simple to make, protein-rich, and perfect for snacks, dessert platters, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Bars
1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter (smooth)
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
1 large egg (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Optional Garnish
Flaky sea salt
Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter
Instructions
Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang.Cream the Base
In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and glossy.Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla until fully incorporated. Batter should look creamy and thick.Combine Dry Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold dry mix into wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in chocolate chips, if using.Spread Batter
Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.Bake
Bake 22–26 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.Cool and Slice
Cool completely in the pan. Lift out with parchment, then cut into 16 squares. Wipe knife between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
Use creamy peanut butter (not natural) for best texture.
Granulated sugar creates the crackled tops—don’t reduce it.
Don’t overbake; bars should stay chewy in the center.
Cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Peanut butter bars, Greek yogurt dessert, cookie pie bars, crackled tops