If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then you’ll love this Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars recipe. This delicious dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With gooey peanut butter and chocolate chips, this cookie bar is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, flour, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups. You’ll start by mixing the melted butter with both sugars and adding the eggs one at a time, mixing completely. Then, you’ll add the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda, and mix in the flour slowly. Finally, you’ll add the chocolate chips and pour half of the cookie dough into a prepared pan, sprinkle peanut butter cups on top of the dough layer, and pour the rest of the dough on top of the peanut butter cups.
These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat. They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make these delicious cookie bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 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
- 1 14-ounce can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Stir together melted butter with both sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing completely. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Mix in flour slowly. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small bowl and add the peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
- Press half the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Top the dough with peanut butter cups.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk mixture over the top, leaving about 1/4” edge around the pan. Break up the remaining cookie dough and place on top of milk. Press to flatten.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the tops start to get golden brown. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Prep Time: 22 minutes | Cooking Time: 46 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve made a batch of Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, you’ll want to serve them up in a way that does them justice. Here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy these delicious treats:
1. As a Dessert
The Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are already sweet and decadent, so they make a perfect dessert on their own. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat.
2. With Coffee or Tea
These bars also make a great accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The rich peanut butter flavor pairs well with a cup of strong coffee or a hot cup of tea.
3. For a Party
If you’re hosting a party or get-together, cut the bars into small bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter. Your guests will love the gooey, chocolatey goodness of these bars.
4. As a Gift
If you want to share the love, wrap up a few bars in a cute gift box and give them to a friend or loved one. They’ll appreciate the homemade touch and the delicious flavor of these bars.
No matter how you choose to serve them, Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Storage Advice
Congratulations on making your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars! Now, you may be wondering how to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some tips to help you store your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars:
- Room Temperature: You can store your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigerator: If you want to extend the shelf life of your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can affect the texture of the bars, making them slightly firmer.
- Freezer: If you want to store your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars for a longer period of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Remember to label your container or bag with the date you made the bars so you can keep track of their freshness. Also, if you’re stacking the bars, make sure to separate them with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for making gooey peanut butter cup cookie bars?
To make gooey peanut butter cup cookie bars, you will need ingredients such as butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter cups. The complete recipe with measurements can be found here.
How do you incorporate condensed milk into peanut butter cup cookie bars?
To incorporate condensed milk into peanut butter cup cookie bars, mix it with peanut butter until smooth. Pour this mixture on top of the cookie dough layer and top it with the remaining cookie dough. The condensed milk adds a gooey texture to the cookie bars.
Can you make peanut butter cup cookie bars without baking?
No, peanut butter cup cookie bars require baking. Baking helps to set the cookie dough and condensed milk mixture, giving it a firm yet gooey texture.
What is the best way to use Reese’s peanut butter cups in a dessert bar recipe?
The best way to use Reese’s peanut butter cups in a dessert bar recipe is to chop them into small pieces and mix them into the cookie dough. This ensures that every bite of the cookie bar has a piece of peanut butter cup in it.
How can you simplify the process of making peanut butter gooey bars?
To simplify the process of making peanut butter gooey bars, you can use a store-bought cookie dough mix instead of making the cookie dough from scratch. You can also use a baking spray with flour to avoid sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove the cookie bars after baking.
What variations can you make with miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups in cookie bar recipes?
You can make several variations with miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups in cookie bar recipes. For example, you can use white chocolate chips instead of chocolate chips, or use dark chocolate peanut butter cups instead of milk chocolate peanut butter cups. You can also add chopped nuts or drizzle caramel sauce on top for added flavor.