Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

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If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a dream come true. With layers of chewy cookie dough, gooey peanut butter, and pockets of chocolate peanut butter cups, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.
  • Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
  • Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a treat.
  • Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Butter (softened)
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peanut butter
  • Mini peanut butter cups (chopped)
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until well combined.
  5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Assemble Layers: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the dough and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk. Crumble the remaining dough over the top, spreading it evenly.
  7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes approximately 12–16 bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Add Chocolate Chips: Fold some chocolate chips into the cookie dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
  • Switch the Candy: Use mini Snickers, M&Ms, or other candies instead of peanut butter cups.
  • Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use nut-free candy.
  • Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the baked bars for a finishing touch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different due to the natural oils.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.

4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made a day in advance.

6. What type of peanut butter cups work best?

Mini peanut butter cups are ideal for even distribution, but regular-sized ones chopped into pieces work too.

7. Can I skip the sweetened condensed milk?

The sweetened condensed milk adds gooeyness, but you can omit it for a firmer texture.

8. Are there substitutions for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use a thick caramel sauce as an alternative, but the flavor and texture will differ.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan or bake in two batches.

10. How should I serve these bars?

They’re delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dessert, or just indulging yourself, this recipe delivers in flavor and texture. With easy variations and simple ingredients, it’s a dessert you’ll come back to time and time again.

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Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

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These indulgent cookie bars are packed with gooey chocolate, peanut butter, and irresistible peanut butter cups. They’re perfect for parties, dessert tables, or a treat-yourself moment.

  • Author: ksuur
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Base:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the Cookie Base:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

    In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the topping.

  3. Assemble the Filling:
    In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
  4. Layer the Bars:
    Press the remaining cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the base and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the filling.
  5. Add the Topping:
    Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the top. For extra texture and flavor, scatter additional chopped peanut butter cups on top.
  6. Bake:
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center will look slightly underbaked, but it will set as it cools.
  7. Cool and Serve:
    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

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