Description
Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are rich, chewy cookie bars loaded with peanut butter cups and a creamy, gooey peanut butter filling. These decadent treats combine the best of chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cups into one easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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, chopped if using larger sizes
- 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil. Spray it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the baking soda and salt, stirring to distribute them evenly. Gradually mix in the flour, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the peanut butter and mix until smooth. This will create the gooey layer inside the bars.
- Assemble the layers: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Scatter the peanut butter cups over the dough, ensuring even distribution. Pour the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the top layer: Break the remaining cookie dough into chunks and distribute them over the filling. The pieces will spread during baking, creating a craggy, gooey top.
- Bake to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center will still be slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely before serving: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps set the gooey filling and makes for cleaner cuts. For extra clean slices, chill the bars slightly before cutting.
Notes
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts or pretzels to the dough.
- To make slicing easier, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- If you like an extra chocolatey taste, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 635mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg