Heavenly Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars

Prepare to embark on a journey of irresistible indulgence with our Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars! These delectable bars are the perfect fusion of soft, chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate chips, and gooey peanut butter cups, all nestled together in one heavenly treat. Whether you’re satisfying your sweet tooth or delighting guests at a gathering, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating these divine delights and elevate your baking game to new heights!

Ingredients:

For the 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

For the Gooey Peanut Butter Cups Layer:

• 30 Miniature Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 (14 ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
4. Press Cookie Dough Into Pan: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth and compact layer.
5. Add Peanut Butter Cups: Arrange the miniature peanut butter cups evenly over the cookie dough layer, gently pressing them into the dough.
6. Prepare Gooey Layer: In a small saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and creamy peanut butter over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7. Pour Over Peanut Butter Cups: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter cups layer in the baking dish, ensuring it covers all the cups.
8. Top with Remaining Cookie Dough: Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter mixture, covering it as evenly as possible.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped peanuts or pecans over the peanut butter cups layer before adding the gooey peanut butter mixture.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookie bars for a decorative touch and additional chocolatey goodness.
• Use Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate for unique flavor combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy? A: While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth and even texture, you can certainly use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of crunch in your bars.

Q: Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with another ingredient? A: Sweetened condensed milk provides the gooey texture and sweetness to the bars, but if needed, you can substitute it with a combination of heavy cream and sugar, although the texture may vary slightly.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of candy instead of peanut butter cups? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the peanut butter cups with your favorite candy bars such as Snickers, Reese’s Pieces, or Milky Way for a personalized twist on this recipe.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Keto Version:

• Low-Carb Flour Alternatives: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content of the cookie dough.
• Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar and brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly sweetener option.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Use sugar-free dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with a high cocoa content to keep the bars keto-friendly.

Low Carb Version:

• Almond Flour Cookie Dough: Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for a low-carb alternative.
• Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups: Look for sugar-free or low-carb peanut butter cups or make your own using sugar-free chocolate and natural peanut butter.
• Swerve Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar and brown sugar with Swerve sweetener or another sugar-free alternative to reduce carbs in the recipe.

With their irresistible combination of chewy cookie dough, creamy peanut butter cups, and gooey peanut butter filling, Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, these bars are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the heavenly bliss of these divine cookie bars!