Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a sweet dream come true for anyone who loves a fantastic dessert! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with mini peanut butter cups and drizzled with a creamy blend of sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Sounds incredible, right? This recipe is not just about the flavors; it’s about the happiness and warmth that comes from a delicious treat shared with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a gathering, packing a sweet lunch treat, or just craving some comfort food, these cookie bars are the answer. Get ready to make something special in your kitchen that will surely impress and satisfy! Let’s explore how to whip up these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars together.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in an easy-to-make treat. The balance between gooey and chewy textures ensures a delightful dessert experience that appeals to both peanut butter lovers and cookie aficionados alike.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie bar filled with mini peanut butter cups and drizzled with a luscious sweetened condensed milk-peanut butter blend. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes comfort and joy. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 30 Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 (14 oz) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Preparing Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” baking pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray for easy removal later. This little step makes cleaning up so much easier!

Combine Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted butter together with both the granulated and brown sugars until well combined. It should be nice and creamy, with no lumps!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the pure vanilla extract into the mixture for that warm, inviting flavor.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the mixture, followed by the all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined to maintain that perfect cookie-like texture. Don’t overmix; it’s all about keeping it light!

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Your cookie base is coming together beautifully!

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a separate small bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk and add the creamy peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sweet layer is what makes your bars gooey!

Layer the Cookie Dough

Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. To avoid sticking, spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray. This helps to keep the dough manageable!

Add Peanut Butter Cups

Evenly place the 30 Miniature Peanut Butter Cups on top of the first layer of cookie dough. Each cup will melt a bit, creating that delicious peanut butter explosion.

Pour Peanut Butter Mixture

Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter cups, leaving about a 1/4” edge around the pan. This will keep everything contained and wonderfully gooey.

Top with Remaining Dough

Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the milk mixture. Use your hands to press it down gently. It’s okay if it doesn’t fully cover the milk layer—it adds character!

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tops of the bars are just starting to turn golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for serving. Patience pays off here—these bars are best when cooled!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gooey bars at room temperature for the best texture. They shine as a decadent addition to any dessert table or can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Just imagine that creamy ice cream melting against the warmth of the cookie bars!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the baking soda, for the best rise. A little attention to detail really helps!
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart. It might be tempting to dig in right away, but the wait is worth it.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts or using different types of chocolate chips for a unique twist. You can also substitute the peanut butter cups with other candy of your choice, like caramel-filled chocolates or even crushed cookies!

Storage Tips

Store the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to one month. Just ensure they are separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You’ll want to save some for later!

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Just make sure it’s well-mixed.

2. Are these cookie bars suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! They freeze well for up to one month when stored properly.

3. Do I need to refrigerate leftover bars?
No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Easy-peasy!

4. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version without losing the deliciousness.

5. How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on the top, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. That’s your sign they’re ready!

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are not just a delightful indulgence; they’re a perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor, evoking the essence of comfort desserts. Sharing these bars with friends and family can turn any gathering into a memorable occasion, and the smiles of satisfaction will make baking them worthwhile. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these treats will surely bring joy!

Print