Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that hits every note of indulgence, the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Picture this: a chewy, buttery cookie base loaded with chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, layered with a luscious swirl of sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter, and topped off with halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups that melt blissfully into the warm dough. Every bite is a delightful mess of perfectly balanced flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first. This recipe nails the ultimate gooey, rich, and totally irresistible cookie bar experience that friends and family will rave about for years to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together to create a spectacular dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Each one plays a vital role, from building the perfect dough texture to adding bursts of peanut butter and chocolate goodness.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the bars moist and tender.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cookie chewiness.
• Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Infuses a hint of molasses flavor and deepens moisture for gooey perfection.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together for a sturdy but soft texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone that gives the bars structure without weighing them down.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them tender.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavor complexity.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Brings rich chocolate bursts throughout every bite.
• Peanut butter chips (1 cup): Adds creamy peanut flavor pockets alongside the chocolate.
• Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (1 cup, halved): The star topping that melts perfectly and amps up the peanut butter crunch.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Creates a luscious, gooey layer that’s sweet and wonderfully sticky.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Blended into the condensed milk, it gives this bar its signature peanut butter soul.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the bars later and keeps everything neat—trust me, you’ll want every bite intact!

Step 2: Cream Your Sugars and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and just dreamy. This step creates that beautiful chewy texture and subtle caramel notes we all love in cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture along with a mild, sweet fragrance that forms the flavor base of the cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agent evenly so your bars bake uniformly and develop just the right crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—simple, gentle folding keeps your bars tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips to distribute those delicious pockets of flavor throughout your dough. Every bite will have its own little surprise!

Step 7: Layer the Dough and Gooey Filling

Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, in a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter until smooth and perfectly blended. Pour this luscious layer over the pressed dough.

Step 8: Top With Peanut Butter Cups and Remaining Dough

Sprinkle the halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly on top of the gooey peanut butter layer. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over everything gently for a rustic, flaky finish that bakes into golden perfection.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is just set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to allow the gooey layer to firm up nicely.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped Reese’s cups or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make these bars look as irresistible as they taste. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can also add that wow factor to each serving.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. Fresh berries on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into mini squares and place them on a dessert platter for parties or stack them up for a fun, bakery-style presentation. You can also pack them individually in cute parchment papers for gifts or lunchbox treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your peanut butter cup gooey cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them—this actually helps to keep the gooey layer intact while making slicing easier.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy their gooey goodness as if freshly baked.

Reheating

Warm your bars gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the gooey peanut butter and chocolate chips, making each bite as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use regular size Reese’s peanut butter cups instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Chopped regular-sized Reese’s will work just as well. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the bars.

What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

No worries! You can omit them or substitute with additional peanut butter cups or even white chocolate chips for a tasty twist.

How do I make these bars less gooey?

If you prefer a firmer bar, refrigerate the baked bars before slicing. This cool-down period helps set the gooey layer without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Are these bars suitable for freezing and reheating?

Yes! These bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to enjoy that freshly baked taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade peanut butter treats with loved ones, and this Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is bound to become a crowd-pleaser in your kitchen. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and that famously gooey texture creates a perfect harmony that’s equal parts nostalgic and downright addictive. I truly can’t wait for you to try making these bars—they’re so easy, so delicious, and guaranteed to brighten any day with a little peanut butter magic.

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