Description
Indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars blend creamy chocolate and nutty peanut butter into a irresistible dessert. Layers of rich flavors and gooey texture promise sweet satisfaction for chocolate and cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 grams / 13.2 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (350 grams / 12.3 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7 ounces) brown sugar, packed
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 grams / 8.5 ounces) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (115 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams / 6.3 ounces) powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups (225 grams / 7.9 ounces) mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray and carefully lining it with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for effortless bar extraction.
- Craft the chocolate cookie foundation by blending dry ingredients until uniformly combined, creating a rich, dark base that will support the decadent layers.
- Incorporate softened butter and sugars, mixing until the mixture transforms into a creamy, light texture that promises exceptional moisture and depth of flavor.
- Integrate eggs and vanilla, whisking vigorously to create a silky emulsion that binds the cookie dough components and enhances overall structural integrity.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overworking the dough, which could result in tough bars.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the prepared cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the sturdy foundation.
- Strategically arrange peanut butter cups across the initial dough layer, distributing them evenly to guarantee a delightful chocolate-peanut butter surprise in every bite.
- Dollop the remaining cookie dough atop the peanut butter cups, using gentle pressing and spreading techniques to create a rustic, imperfect top layer.
- Slide the assembled bars into the preheated oven, baking until the edges turn golden brown and the center maintains a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect gooey consistency.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, permitting the layers to set and intensify their rich, indulgent flavors.
- Once cooled, lift the bars from the dish using the parchment paper edges, slice into precise squares, and serve at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap standard peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies and create a similar rich, creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or oat-based alternatives to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices and prevent the gooey filling from spreading too much during serving.
- For a lower-sugar version, select dark chocolate peanut butter cups and reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe by 25%.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg