Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those desserts that gets me every time. The combination of rich peanut butter, chocolate, and that gooey texture creates a heavenly treat that I can hardly resist. Growing up, my love for peanut butter cups was immense, and when I discovered this recipe, it felt like a dream come true.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are soft and chewy with a delightful peanut butter flavor. They are filled with chocolatey goodness and are perfect for sharing at gatherings or just enjoying with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a delicious dessert, these bars will hit the spot.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
To make these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
Getting the dough ready is simple and quick. In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes and makes a big difference in texture.
Next, I add the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture. I mix everything until well combined. The dough should be smooth and creamy, which is a great sign that it’s coming together nicely.
Mixing in the Dry Ingredients
For the dry ingredients, I start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. It’s crucial to properly mix these to ensure even distribution in the dough. Once that is done, I slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
I mix this until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars, and nobody wants that. At this stage, the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Adding the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups
Now comes the fun part! I fold in the chocolate chips and chopped mini peanut butter cups. These little gems add a burst of flavor that makes these cookie bars irresistible.
Once everything is combined, I let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to spread in the pan.
Baking the Cookie Bars
While the dough is resting, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I also prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking.
After the dough has rested, I spread it evenly in the prepared pan. It may seem thick, but it will spread out as it bakes. I pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
I keep an eye on them, and when the edges are golden brown while the center is still soft, it’s time to take them out.
Cooling and Cutting the Bars
Once out of the oven, I let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is essential as it helps the bars set up and makes cutting easier.
Once they are cool enough to handle, I lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After they have cooled, I can’t resist cutting into them right away.
Serving Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but there are a few ways to elevate them even more. Here are some ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk for the perfect snack.
Storing the Cookie Bars
If you have any leftovers (although I doubt you will), storing them is easy. I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars
To ensure you get the best results with your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it really helps the texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. The bars will continue to cook as they cool.
The Joy of Sharing
One of my favorite things about making these cookie bars is sharing them with friends and family. There’s something special about watching their faces light up when they take that first bite. It brings back memories of my childhood and all the sweet treats I enjoyed growing up.
The Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars Recipe is one that I will cherish for years to come. It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth. I encourage everyone to give this recipe a try. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress.