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Decadent Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 29 reviews

These decadent homemade bars feature a rich, tender cookie dough base layered with a creamy peanut butter caramel sauce and studded with milk chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful combination of chewy, gooey, and sweet flavors that make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Caramel Sauce

  • 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
  • 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9″x13″ baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and fully combined, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough is cohesive.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips by hand or using the mixer on low speed, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
  6. Bake the First Layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the dough is just set and lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the first dough layer bakes, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power (power level 5) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Add Peanut Butter to Caramel: Stir the peanut butter into the melted caramel mixture until completely incorporated, forming a creamy, nutty caramel sauce.
  9. Assemble the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully pour the caramel sauce over the baked cookie base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  10. Add Second Dough Layer: Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer. It is okay if some caramel peeks through; this will create pockets of gooey texture.
  11. Bake the Assembled Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top cookie dough layer is golden brown and caramel is bubbling. Edges should be firm while the center remains soft.
  12. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the caramel set. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into 12 clean squares for serving.

Notes

  • The use of evaporated milk in the caramel helps achieve a creamy, smooth texture that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
  • Do not overbake the bars; they should be just set and soft in the center to retain a chewy texture.
  • Using a 9″x13″ pan is important to achieve the correct thickness and baking time.
  • You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.
  • For easier spreading of the second dough layer, use a spoon or your fingers to gently drop small portions rather than trying to spread it evenly.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/decadent-caramel-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-bars-recipe/