Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

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Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Introduction

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a decadent, chewy, and irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. They combine the rich flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and gooey cookie dough to create a heavenly treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. These bars are easy to make and perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy dessert night at home.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

  • All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup (packed)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Peanut butter cups: 1 1/2 cups (chopped)
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup

For the Gooey Layer:

  • Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 ounces)
  • Creamy peanut butter: 1/3 cup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

  1. Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cookie dough layer.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate chips over the peanut butter mixture.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top, spreading it out gently to mostly cover the filling.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Description

These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The cookie dough is soft and chewy, the peanut butter layer is rich and gooey, and the addition of peanut butter cups and chocolate chips adds bursts of sweetness and decadence in every bite.

Tips for Success

  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  • Use high-quality peanut butter cups and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
  • Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Optional Additions

  • Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
  • Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate or caramel for added indulgence.
  • Salted Topping: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 16 Bars)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 24g

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best of chocolate, peanut butter, and cookie flavors. Their gooey, chewy texture and rich taste make them impossible to resist.

Recommendation

Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy

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