If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for all things peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, chewy cookie bars packed with creamy peanut butter, pockets of rich melted chocolate, and those irresistible mini peanut butter cups baked right in, creating an indulgent, gooey treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply because you deserve a treat. Trust me, once you make these bars, you’ll want them on repeat in your recipe box. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe uses simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect indulgent texture and flavor combination. From the creamy peanut butter to the sweetened condensed milk, these staples work together to deliver gooey, richly flavored bars that are totally irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Brings that signature peanut buttery flavor and moist texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup packed): Provides natural sweetness and a hint of molasses for depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to a fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the structure for the cookie bars.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and become light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Mini peanut butter cups (1 cup halved): Bursts of chocolate and peanut butter that melt beautifully.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds melty, gooey chocolate contrasts throughout.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Creates the gooey layer that takes these cookie bars to the next level.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang—this will make lifting the cookie bars out a breeze once they’re baked and cooled. A simple setup ensures a smooth baking experience and perfect edges on your bars.
Step 2: Whip Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and brown sugar until you see a light, fluffy consistency—this step is key to a tender and rich base. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is completely combined and smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These may seem basic, but they’re what give your cookie bars that perfect structure while balancing the sweetness.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms. Then fold in half of the halved mini peanut butter cups and semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring little pockets of deliciousness throughout the dough.
Step 5: Layer it Up
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This thick layer forms the sturdy base of your cookie bars. Then, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the dough, spreading it evenly—this is the secret gooey element that will make you fall in love with this recipe.
Step 6: Top It Off with Goodies
Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter cups and chocolate chips on top, then crumble the leftover dough over everything, leaving some areas exposed to encourage that wonderful gooey texture we’re after. This layered effect creates visual appeal and delicious flavor contrasts.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set but still soft to touch. Once out of the oven, let your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe cool completely in the pan to firm up, making them easier to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are decadent enough to eat on their own, but for an extra special touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top right before serving. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts can also add a fun crunch and boost the peanut flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these gooey bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert combo. They also go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares on skewers for party-friendly finger food, or serve them warm alongside fresh berries for a colorful, elevated dessert plate. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or just an indulgent afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and gooey, perfect for whenever you want a quick bite of sweet comfort.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
Warm your bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a melty, gooey experience just like fresh from the oven. Alternatively, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that baked goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nuttiness to the bars, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother, more uniform dough. It’s all about your personal preference.
Are mini peanut butter cups necessary, or can I use regular-sized ones?
Mini peanut butter cups are ideal because they distribute evenly throughout the bars, giving you little pockets of peanut butter and chocolate. However, you can chop regular-sized peanut butter cups and use those if mini ones aren’t available—you’ll just want to cut them into smaller pieces.
Is sweetened condensed milk really important for the gooey texture?
Absolutely! The sweetened condensed milk is what creates that classic gooey layer in this recipe. It adds moisture, sweetness, and a rich texture that’s key to the overall indulgence.
Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for another type of chocolate?
Definitely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preferences. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but all delicious.
How do I get clean slices when cutting these gooey bars?
For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. This firms up the bars and minimizes crumbling, making your slices neat and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those desserts you want to keep under wraps—because they might just disappear faster than you expect. With creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate, and that irresistible gooey layer, these bars are a guaranteed hit whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet treat at home. Give this recipe a try soon and prepare to fall head over heels for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars combine the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a delightfully chewy bar. Featuring mini peanut butter cups and semisweet chocolate chips layered within a buttery cookie dough, these bars deliver a luscious gooey center with a golden-brown crust—perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins & Toppings
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups (halved)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the finished bars.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture in the final bars.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, making sure everything is well combined for a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips: Fold in half of the halved peanut butter cups and semisweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough for bursts of flavor throughout.
- Press Dough Into Pan: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the base layer.
- Drizzle Condensed Milk: Spread the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the dough layer using the back of a spoon, which will create the gooey center.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the condensed milk layer for extra texture and taste.
- Crumble Remaining Dough: Crumble the leftover dough over the top, leaving some parts uncovered to ensure a gooey, soft texture once baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft for optimum gooeyness.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before using the parchment overhang to lift them out and slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
- For cleaner, neater slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- You can substitute mini peanut butter cups with chopped full-size peanut butter cups if preferred.
