Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

The first time I made these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, it was a rainy Saturday afternoon and I needed a quick, comforting treat that didn’t require fancy baking skills or equipment. I stumbled on the idea of merging my favorite chocolate chip cookie dough with peanut butter cups and gooey filling—and the result was pure magic. These bars were a hit with friends, and even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds.

What makes this recipe so perfect for beginners? It’s nearly foolproof, made with simple pantry staples, and comes together in under 90 minutes, including baking time. Plus, there’s no need for a mixer or complex techniques—just stir, layer, and bake. With its rich flavor, soft texture, and undeniable comfort-food vibes, this dessert proves that anyone can bake something incredible from scratch.

Why This Recipe is Special

• Combines the chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies with the indulgence of peanut butter cups and gooey filling.
• Uses one-bowl prep, making cleanup a breeze.
• Offers a great way to learn about layering and balance in baking.
• A crowd-pleaser that stores well and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients and Preparation

These bars use everyday ingredients, each bringing a unique texture and flavor to the table:

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both sweeten the dough, but brown sugar also adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and stay tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, creating structure.
• Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate throughout the bars—feel free to use semi-sweet, dark, or even a mix with peanut butter chips.
• Miniature Peanut Butter Cups: These add pockets of creamy, salty-sweet goodness. Use chopped standard peanut butter cups if minis aren’t available.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: When mixed with peanut butter, it becomes the luscious gooey layer that makes these bars so addictive.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers deep peanut flavor and creaminess to the filling.

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut-free versions.
• Use white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variation.
• Vegan alternatives like coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter work well too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray so the bars lift out easily after baking.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter with both sugars until smooth. Then mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3
In a separate small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Stir until you have a smooth, pourable mixture.

Step 4
Take half of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spray your hands or a spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5
Scatter the mini peanut butter cups evenly across the dough layer.

Step 6
Pour the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture gently over the peanut butter cups, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges to prevent burning or overflow.

Step 7
Break the remaining cookie dough into small chunks and drop them over the top layer. It doesn’t need to cover everything; it will spread during baking.

Step 8
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is just set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to allow the gooey center to set.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Too runny dough? Chill it for 15 minutes before layering.
• Peanut butter too thick to stir? Warm it slightly in the microwave to loosen the texture.
• Bars browning too fast? Cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Clean cuts every time: Chill the bars and use a serrated knife wiped clean between cuts.

Efficient Prep Tips:

• Pre-measure ingredients before starting to keep things smooth.
• Use parchment paper instead of foil for a more eco-friendly lining option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for a nostalgic treat.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a deluxe dessert.
• Drizzle with extra melted chocolate or peanut butter before serving for a bakery-style touch.

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This easy sheet pan dessert is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a confidence booster for beginner bakers. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family movie night, or just a well-earned snack, these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a reliable go-to. If you give this quick and healthy(ish) dessert a try, leave a comment and share how it turned out. I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

So, preheat that oven, trust the process, and get ready to impress yourself—one gooey, peanut-buttery bite at a time.

FAQ About Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

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