Rich, gooey, and packed with peanut butter goodness — these cookie bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Peanut Butter Lovers — creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey in every bite

• Simple and Quick — only 15 minutes of prep time

• Great for Sharing — perfect for parties, bake sales, or family treats

• Customizable — add your favorite mix-ins for extra flavor

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

• 1 cup peanut butter chips

• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, halved

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and halved mini peanut butter cups on top. Press them down gently to help them stick.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pretzels or crushed peanuts on top for texture.

• Sweeter Twist: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the bars a day early; they taste even better once set overnight.

• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week for a firmer texture.

• Freezer: Wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! It’ll add an extra nutty texture to the bars.

Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups?
No, but they add a fun texture. You can replace them with more chocolate or peanut butter chips.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set but slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars are a dream dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. Easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to treats!