Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream with these irresistibly gooey Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars. Packed with layers of creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and mini peanut butter cups, this easy dessert combines rich, decadent flavors with a satisfyingly soft and chewy texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert, a crowd-pleasing party food, or a comforting treat, these cookie bars are sure to hit the spot every time.
With a buttery graham cracker crust anchoring each bite, these bars bring together classic flavors in a no-fuss, simple bake that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Simple ingredients and straightforward prep
-
Gooey, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter and chocolate layers
-
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or dessert cravings
-
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
-
No mixer needed, just stirring and spreading
-
Easily customizable with your favorite chocolate chips or nuts
Ingredient Breakdown
-
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery base that binds the graham cracker crust.
-
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide a crunchy, slightly sweet foundation for the bars.
-
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps bind the filling.
-
Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and gooey texture.
-
Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors.
-
Chocolate Chips: Melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the bars.
-
Peanut Butter Chips: Boost the peanut butter flavor and add texture.
-
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Add bursts of indulgent chocolate-peanut butter treats in every bite.
Pro Tips
-
Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing bars.
-
Use room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing.
-
Don’t overbake—the gooey center is what makes these bars special!
-
Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
-
Swap mini peanut butter cups for chopped Reese’s or your favorite chocolate candy.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
-
Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different nut flavor.
-
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate taste.
-
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
-
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
-
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
-
Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a comforting snack.
-
Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy party finger food.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
-
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
-
For longer storage, keep bars refrigerated for up to a week.
-
Reheat slightly in the microwave if desired for a warm, gooey treat.
-
Prepare the bars a day ahead—they taste even better once flavors meld.
Cultural or Historical Notes
This dessert combines classic American peanut butter and chocolate flavors with the convenience of a simple bar, inspired by popular candy and cookie traditions. Gooey bars like this have become a staple in American baking for their ease and crowd-pleasing qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, but it may affect the smoothness of the filling slightly.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Q: Can I use sugar-free sweetened condensed milk?
A: You can, but texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Q: What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
A: Chill the bars well and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Oven and Pan:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid crust layer.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer:In a separate bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust
- Add Chocolate Toppings:Sprinkle chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and halved mini peanut butter cups evenly over the peanut butter layer. Gently press them down to embed slightly into the filling.
- Bake:Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the center will look set but still slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve:Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your rich and gooey peanut butter cup cookie bars!
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Handle mini peanut butter cups gently to keep their shape.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of chocolate chips slightly.