Plain chocolate chip cookies are already amazing; that’s not a controversial statement. Gooey Cookie Bars takes things to a whole other level. With a creamy, nutty, smooth and extra chocolatey filling sandwiched between the beloved buttery, molasses-sweet cookie, these bars have a straight-from-the-oven texture you can’t get enough of. Gooey Cookie Bars are decadent, delightful, and definitely worth making!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 (14 ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 30 miniature peanut butter cups
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 3 –Stir melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together.
Step 4 –Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing fully after adding each one.
Step 5 –Mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda.
Step 6 –Mix in the flour, careful not to overmix.
Step 7 –Stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 8 –In a small, separate bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk and the peanut butter, stirring until it has a smooth consistency.
Step 9 –Lightly press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Spraying your hands with a touch of non-stick cooking spray will keep the cookie dough from sticking to you.
Step 10 –Add peanut butter cups on top.
Step 11 –Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture on top of the peanut butter cups. The mixture should not touch the foil, so make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of space around the pan.
Step 12 –Break up the leftover cookie dough and place it on top of the milk mixture.
Step 13 –Press down with your hands to flatten. It should mostly, but not entirely, cover the bottom layer.
Step 14 –Bake until the tops of the bars look slightly golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 15 –Let it cool completely before slicing the bars.
Step 16 –Serve!