Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe

If you love the magical combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars. These dreamy bars are pure indulgence, with layers of chewy golden cookie dough, creamy peanut butter, and pockets of miniature peanut butter cups nestled throughout. They’re rich, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make—basically, everything you crave in a dessert bar! Whether you need a crowd-pleasing bake sale winner, an after-school snack, or just an excuse to treat yourself, these bars deliver big flavor in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars is short and sweet—each item brings something special to the table, from rich buttery notes to pops of chocolate and that irresistible peanut butter swirl. Gathering these ingredients is easy, and they’re most likely already in your pantry!

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Creates a soft, chewy base and lets you control the salt level perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps the bars get those golden edges.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for extra gooeyness.
• Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together for just the right set and structure.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Rounds out the flavors and intensifies the sweetness.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the bars puff up ever so slightly, keeping them soft.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances all the sweet, creamy notes so the bars don’t taste flat.
• All-Purpose Flour (3¼ cups): Provides the backbone for rich, substantial bars—they won’t fall apart!
• Chocolate Chips (¾ cup): Lends melty pools of chocolate throughout every bite—choose your favorite!
• Miniature Peanut Butter Cups (about 30, or chopped): The star—each bite hides a candy surprise!
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14-oz): Delivers luscious, sticky-sweet gooiness that makes these bars unforgettable.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (¼ cup): Swirled with the condensed milk for a decadent, indulgent layer.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil—it makes getting the bars out super easy—and give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray. Set your oven to 350 °F so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you are!

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the flour until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what makes these bars extra chewy and satisfying!

Step 3: Whisk the Gooey Peanut Butter Filling

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is absolutely smooth and pourable. This is the secret layer that makes Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars so rich and decadent!

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Press half of the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan—spritz your fingers with nonstick spray so the dough doesn’t stick. Scatter the miniature peanut butter cups over the dough in a single layer, making sure each bar will have at least one sweet surprise.

Step 5: Add the Gooey Layer

Pour the peanut butter-sweetened condensed milk blend over the peanut butter cups, gently leveling it with a spatula. Leave a thin border all around the edge so the gooey filling doesn’t bubble over in the oven.

Step 6: Top It Off and Bake

Break up the remaining cookie dough into pieces and dot them over the filling, pressing lightly so there are some peeks of filling showing through. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center just barely jiggles. Cool the bars completely before cutting—they’ll set up into gooey, decadent squares!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible finish, sprinkle extra chopped peanut butter cups on top just after baking or dust the cooled bars with a light touch of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a swirl of warmed peanut butter makes them look (and taste) bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk (classic!) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side offer the perfect refreshing contrast to all the chocolatey richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into bite-sized squares for a sweet snack tray, stack them tall on a tiered dessert platter at a party, or package a few in cute boxes or cellophane bags for edible gifts. For a show-stopping dessert, layer the bars in parfait cups with whipped cream and more chopped peanut butter cups!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, store your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fabulously soft and moist for up to 3 days. If your kitchen tends to run extra warm or humid, you can keep them in the fridge to extend their freshness.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and tuck them into a resealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 1 month, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

Reheating

If you love a melty, just-baked taste, microwave individual bars for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups to gooey perfection—just like they were fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little peanut pieces throughout the gooey layer. Just make sure to mix it well so your filling is smooth and spreadable.

How do I keep the cookie dough from sticking to my hands?

A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray on your hands (or even a bit of oil) makes pressing the dough into the pan super easy and mess free. This is especially helpful when working with sticky cookie dough bases like this one!

Can I substitute different candies for the peanut butter cups?

You sure can! While the classic Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are all about those peanut butter cups, feel free to swap in chopped chocolate bars, mini caramel cups, or candy-coated chocolates for fun new twists.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

No refrigeration is necessary unless your kitchen is very warm. At room temperature, they stay perfectly chewy and gooey. However, chilling them will give you bars with a firmer bite if that’s your preference.

Can I halve the recipe?

Definitely! You can easily cut the recipe in half and bake it in an 8×8-inch pan for a smaller batch, perfect for a family treat or a more intimate gathering.

Final Thoughts

It’s tough to find a dessert more crowd-pleasing and downright delicious than these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars. Whether you’re serving a whole party or just looking for that ultimate after-dinner indulgence, this simple recipe never disappoints. So grab your ingredients, line that pan, and get ready to wow everyone with the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate cookie bar!

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