Sweet Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe to Indulge In

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers unite over these irresistible peanut butter cup gooey cookie bars that melt hearts with every single bite.

Sweet layers of rich, chocolatey goodness promise pure dessert bliss.

Soft, chewy cookie dough envelops creamy peanut butter cups in a decadent embrace.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of indulgent flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges give way to a gooey center that promises delightful texture in every mouthful.

The combination of classic ingredients creates a dessert so tempting you won’t be able to resist.

These bars are the ultimate treat for anyone seeking a seriously delicious chocolate and peanut butter experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sturdy, buttery foundation that adds delightful crunch and classic cookie texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together and creates a rich, smooth base with golden edges.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a velvety, tangy backdrop that complements the sweet chocolate perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the creamy filling with a silky smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic depth.

• Peanut Butter Cups: Introduces irresistible chocolate-peanut butter swirls and gooey chocolate chunks.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into luscious pools of rich chocolate throughout the bars.
• Sea Salt: Provides a subtle flavor contrast that elevates the sweetness of the dessert.
• Peanut Butter: Creates ribbons of nutty, creamy goodness that weave through the bars.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie base.

Tools to Bake Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

• Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Whisk: To blend dry ingredients and eggs without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating layered cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps with clean removal and prevents sticking.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter evenly and scraping bowls.
• Cooling rack: Allows bars to cool without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Baking Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars

• Warm Up the Oven Kick things off by firing up your oven to a toasty 350°F and get your baking dish ready with a quick spray of cooking oil and a parchment paper liner.
• Create the Chocolate Base Whip up a delectable chocolate cookie layer by mixing together your dry ingredients until they're perfectly blended and crumbly.
• Press and Shape Firmly press the chocolate mixture into your prepared pan, creating an even, smooth foundation for your dreamy bars.
• Add Peanut Butter Dollop generous spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter across the chocolate base, swirling and spreading for maximum deliciousness.
• Sprinkle Chocolate Surprises Scatter chopped peanut butter cups all over the top, ensuring every bite will be a chocolate-peanut butter explosion.
• Bake to Perfection Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake until the edges look set and the center has a slight jiggle, about 25-30 minutes.
• Cool and Cut Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out the parchment and slice into irresistible squares of gooey goodness.

Pro Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bar Success

• Let the bars cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to achieve clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling when slicing.
• Replace peanut butter cups with dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or caramel-filled chocolates for exciting flavor variations.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter or coconut oil to create a delicious dairy-free version of the recipe.
• Prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for advance party planning or potluck contributions.

Fun Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars

• Chocolate Candy Paradise: Sprinkle extra chopped peanut butter cups on top of the cooled bars for a stunning visual and extra decadent crunch.
• Dessert Plating: Serve these bars slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a luxurious contrast between warm, gooey cookie and cold, creamy ice cream.
• Sweet Drizzle Delight: Enhance the bars with a light zigzag of melted chocolate or caramel sauce across the top for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Decadent Pairing Perfection: Complement these rich bars with a cold glass of milk or a hot espresso to balance the sweetness and provide a delightful beverage accompaniment.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

• Store completed bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and preventing softening.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats stay fresh for 2-3 months when frozen, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
• Keep bars at cool room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, placing them on a plate covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Cut bars into squares before storing, which makes grabbing a quick snack easier and helps maintain consistent freshness for each individual piece.

FAQs

• Are peanut butter cups the only chocolate option?

You can swap Reese’s with other chocolate candies like Snickers or Twix for variety.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version.

• What type of peanut butter works best?

Use creamy, smooth peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the most consistent texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter might create separation in the recipe.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done but not overbaked.

Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a delightful dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each indulgent bite of this irresistible sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (375 g / 13.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (350 g / 12.3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 oz) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (180 g / 6.3 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups (225 g / 7.9 oz) mini peanut butter cups, chopped
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for easy removal.
2. Dough Foundation: Blend dry ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, dark base, then cream softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs and vanilla into the butter mixture, creating a silky emulsion that binds the dough and enhances flavor complexity.
4. Dough Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, forming an even base layer.
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer: Distribute peanut butter cups evenly across the initial dough layer, ensuring a delectable chocolate-peanut butter element in every bite.
6. Topping Technique: Carefully spread the remaining dough over the peanut butter cups, creating a rustic, uneven top layer that adds visual appeal and textural interest.
7. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven until edges turn golden brown and the center maintains a subtle wobble, indicating the perfect gooey consistency.
8. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares and serve at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Texture: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture to avoid overworking the dough, ensuring tender and soft cookie bars.
• Uniform Peanut Butter Cup Distribution: Strategically place chocolate-peanut butter candies evenly across the base layer for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Perfect Gooey Consistency: Watch for golden brown edges and a slight center jiggle during baking to achieve the ideal soft, moist texture.
• Easy Removal Technique: Use parchment paper overhang to effortlessly lift and remove bars from the baking dish without breaking or crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg