If you love the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars. They strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy cookie dough, melty chocolate, and creamy bits of peanut butter cup that make every bite pure indulgence. Imagine all the best parts of your favorite candy and cookie in one dreamy dessert—this might just be your new go-to when a sweet craving hits!

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars is in their shockingly simple ingredient list! Every item plays a starring role—rich peanut butter adds depth and creaminess, chocolate chips and peanut butter cups bring that luscious, melty center, and a hint of sweetened condensed milk ties it all together with gooey decadence.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Essential for a tender, buttery base—be sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): No chunky texture here; creamy peanut butter ensures even richness and flavor throughout each bar.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness and keeps the bars extra soft and chewy.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the brown sugar and contributes to that classic cookie texture.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the bars their satisfying, fudgy bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The backbone that supports all the gooey deliciousness.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough lift for a tender crumb without making the bars cakey.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, making each bite pop.
Mini peanut butter cups (1 cup, halved): Layered throughout for mouthfuls of creamy peanut butter and chocolate.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Provide melty bursts of chocolate in every slice.
Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup): The secret to that gorgeously gooey interior—don’t skip it!

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars when they’re done. Trust me, this little trick makes cleanup and serving a total breeze!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until everything looks light, fluffy, and deliciously blended. This step is crucial—it’s what promises that soft, chewy cookie base we all crave.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Give it all a good mix until you have a smooth, shiny batter. You should notice the dough getting thicker and silkier—just the way we want it for these gooey bars!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it. We’re aiming for maximum tenderness, so stop as soon as the streaks of flour disappear.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Now, scatter your halved mini peanut butter cups and chocolate chips right on top. Take your sweetened condensed milk and drizzle it generously over everything—this is where the bars get that signature gooey magic!

Step 6: Top and Bake

Take the rest of the cookie dough and drop it by spoonfuls over the filling. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, aiming to cover most of the surface but leaving a few pockets for those delicious fillings to peek through. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 28–32 minutes until the bars are golden brown and just set in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, resist the urge to dig right in! Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this step is key for clean, tidy slices. Use your parchment “handles” to lift the bars out and slice into neat, generous squares.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, dust the tops with a touch of flaky sea salt or drizzle with even more melted chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream is pure decadence next to these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars.

Side Dishes

These bars are definitely the star of the dessert table, but they also play well with a cool glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a little balance or pair them with small scoops of berry sorbet to add a tart, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Stack the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars in a tall tower and sprinkle extra mini peanut butter cups around the platter. For extra wow factor, serve each bar in a cupcake wrapper or gift them in parchment-lined boxes tied with ribbon—they make the sweetest edible gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and gooey for up to four days—if they last that long!

Freezing

To freeze, simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a ziptop bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture beautifully for up to three months, making them a fabulous make-ahead treat.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookie bars warm and gooey, a quick burst in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) revives that fresh-from-the-oven magic. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an unbeatable dessert in seconds!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra texture and little peanut pieces to your bars. Just remember, the overall batter might be slightly denser but still delicious.

What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?

You can chop up regular peanut butter cups or swirl in a bit more peanut butter and chocolate chips as a substitute. The bars will still capture that classic flavor you’re after.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add about 5 more minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on them and test for doneness toward the end.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden top and edges with a center that’s just set. A slight jiggle is okay—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring that signature gooey texture.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (one that subs cup-for-cup). Your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars will still turn out tender and delectable!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars with friends and family—truly, they’re love at first bite. If you’re craving a treat that’s equal parts indulgent, nostalgic, and downright delicious, whip up a pan and watch them disappear. Enjoy every gooey, peanut-buttery, chocolate-filled square!

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars. A decadent combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and gooey goodness in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

1 cup mini peanut butter cups (halved)
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Assemble: Spread two-thirds of dough in pan. Top with peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, and condensed milk. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough on top.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden and set. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For a gooier texture, slightly underbake and cool completely before cutting.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American