Growing up, my grandmother would often whip up these bars, filling our kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. The anticipation would build as we watched the layers come together — first the sweet cookie base, then the caramel and peanut butter mixture oozing over it, and finally, the top layer of cookie dough sealing in all the deliciousness. Each bite was a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making these bars a beloved favorite that we eagerly devoured.
Now, let’s dive into how you can recreate this delightful treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
½ cup Evaporated Milk
60 whole caramels, unwrapped
½ cup peanut butter, melted
½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch jelly-roll pan.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Gradually beat in the flour mixture until well combined and smooth.
Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared jelly-roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Caramel-Peanut Butter Layer:
While the cookie base is baking, melt the caramels with ½ cup of evaporated milk in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water. Stir occasionally until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Once melted, stir in the melted peanut butter until well combined.
Pour the caramel-peanut butter mixture evenly over the baked cookie base in the pan.
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
Complete the Bars:
Take the remaining cookie dough and spread it out on a work surface. Use your hands to press it into a large square just slightly smaller than the dimensions of the pan.
Carefully lift the cookie dough square and place it on top of the caramel-peanut butter layer in the pan, covering it as evenly as possible.
Bake and Serve:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, cut into bars of desired size. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, though they are often best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Substitutions:
Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanut butter and use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Chip Caramel-Peanut Butter Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, filled with warmth and the joy of baking. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, the layers of flavors and textures in each bite are sure to bring smiles all around. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the magic of homemade goodness. After all, the best recipes are those that not only satisfy the palate but also create lasting memories with every delicious mouthful.
