Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. These indulgent bars feature layers of soft cookie dough, gooey peanut butter, and chunks of peanut butter cups for a treat that’s as decadent as it sounds. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a weekend indulgence, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent: Each bite is packed with gooey, chocolatey, peanut butter goodness.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe foolproof.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing, these bars are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like chocolate chips or caramel for a personal twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars in advance for an effortless dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate chips
- Mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Sweetened condensed milk
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly over the dough.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Drop the remaining cookie dough in spoonfuls over the filling, gently spreading to cover.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces to the filling for a salty crunch.
- Drizzle It Up: Top with melted chocolate or caramel drizzle after baking for added indulgence.
- Different Candies: Substitute peanut butter cups with your favorite candy, such as Snickers or Reese’s Pieces.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter, plant-based condensed milk, and egg replacers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but the bars may be slightly less sweet, and the texture might differ. Stir natural peanut butter well before using.
How do I ensure the cookie dough layers bake evenly?
Spread the dough evenly in the pan, ensuring the top layer is not too thick in any one spot.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and chill the bars slightly for firmer slices.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, milk chocolate chips work well.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
A homemade version of sweetened condensed milk or coconut condensed milk can be used as substitutes.
Can I use a smaller pan for thicker bars?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time to ensure the center cooks through.
Are these bars nut-free?
No, but you can substitute peanut butter and peanut butter cups with nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter and nut-free candies.
Can I add a layer of frosting?
Yes, a peanut butter or chocolate frosting would be a delicious addition.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean slicing.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are the perfect fusion of peanut butter and chocolate, delivering a decadent treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet craving, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Whip up a batch today and savor the gooey, chewy, chocolatey goodness!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are rich, decadent, and loaded with layers of chocolate chip cookie dough, gooey peanut butter filling, and mini peanut butter cups. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layers:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (225 g) mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cookie dough layer.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the peanut butter layer, leaving some gaps for a gooey texture.
5. Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the chopped mini peanut butter cups evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but slightly gooey.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Substitute the mini peanut butter cups with chopped Reese’s Pieces or additional chocolate chips for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For an even more decadent treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.