Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars: A Decadent Holiday Delight

These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence, blending the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a festive dessert. With a buttery cookie base, a gooey layer of peanut butter-infused sweetened condensed milk, and pockets of melted chocolate chips and peanut butter cups, these bars are a holiday treat that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Perfect for sharing during the festive season, they bring joy to every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• 30 miniature peanut butter cups
• 1 (14 oz) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the creamy peanut butter until smooth.
4. Assemble the Bars: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Place the peanut butter cups evenly over the dough. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the top, spreading it evenly but avoiding direct contact with the foil edges. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top and press it down slightly to mostly cover the layer beneath.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown. Let them cool completely in the pan.
6. Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil and slice into squares. Enjoy the gooey, chewy, chocolatey goodness!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 24 bars

Store these bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Best served at room temperature, these bars are a festive, decadent addition to any holiday dessert spread. Enjoy the rich, gooey layers with family and friends!

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