Description
Indulge in these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, featuring layers of rich cookie dough, gooey sweetened condensed milk mixed with creamy peanut butter, and miniature peanut butter cups. This dessert combines chewy, chocolatey, and nutty flavors in every bite, perfect for sharing or satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Filling and Topping
- 30 miniature peanut butter cups
- 1 (14 ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing slowly until just incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, combine the fat-free sweetened condensed milk with the creamy peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Dough and Peanut Butter Cups: Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Evenly distribute the miniature peanut butter cups over the dough layer.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture and Top Layer: Carefully pour the peanut butter and condensed milk mixture over the peanut butter cups, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the edge to prevent leakage. Break up the remaining cookie dough and scatter it over the top of the milk mixture. Press gently with your hands to flatten the top, covering most but not all of the bottom cookie dough layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops of the bars start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Store and Serve: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Notes
- Spraying your hands with cooking spray before pressing the dough prevents sticking and makes it easier to handle.
- Leaving a small border when pouring the sweetened condensed milk mixture helps avoid leakage out of the pan during baking.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to one month.
- Serving the bars at room temperature enhances their gooey texture and flavor.
- You can substitute miniature peanut butter cups with chopped standard-size peanut butter cups if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
