These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a sublime creation, melding the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The bars feature a buttery cookie base studded with chocolate chips and peanut butter cups, topped with a silky layer of peanut butter-infused sweetened condensed milk, and finished with chunks of cookie dough. The result is a multi-textured treat that’s gooey, chewy, and irresistibly decadent.
Ingredients: – 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – ¾ cup granulated sugar – 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – 2 large eggs – 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon baking soda – ½ teaspoon salt – 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – ¾ cup chocolate chips – 30 Miniature Peanut Butter Cups – 1 (14 ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk – ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. 2. Stir melted butter with both sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix in flour. Stir in chocolate chips. 3. In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk with peanut butter until smooth. 4. Press half the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Place peanut butter cups over the dough. 5. Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over, avoiding direct contact with the foil edges. Crumble the remaining dough on top and press down slightly. It should mostly cover the layer beneath. 6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing into bars. 7. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Best served at room temperature.
COOKING Note: These bars are best enjoyed when cooled completely before slicing to maintain their shape and gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips: For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information: – Calories: 280 per bar – Protein: 4g – Sodium: 170mg
Conclusion: These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and salty, chewy and gooey, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a chocolate enthusiast, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with their decadent flavors and textures.
FAQs : 1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe? – Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy if you prefer some added texture in the bars. 2. Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of regular-sized ones? – Absolutely, mini chocolate chips can be used instead of regular-sized ones for a more evenly distributed chocolate flavor. 3. How can I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan? – Make sure to line the baking pan with foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent the bars from sticking. 4. Can I omit the peanut butter cups if I’m not a fan of them? – You can omit the peanut butter cups or substitute them with your favorite chocolate candies for a different flavor profile. 5. Can I freeze the bars for longer than a month? – While the bars are best consumed within a month for optimal freshness, they can be frozen for longer periods if stored properly in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars!
