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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

A deliciously chewy treat with layers of gooey caramel, perfect for warming hearts during the holiday season.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients for Cookie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
Group: Ingredients for Caramel Layer
  • 1 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional) pecans or walnuts work great.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish Grease or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Separate bowl For mixing dry ingredients.

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter. Add sugars and mix until fluffy.
  3. Mix in eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract until well blended.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then combine with wet ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Spread half the dough into the prepared dish, drizzle caramel on top, add nuts if using, then top with remaining dough.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and center is slightly jiggly.
  7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Allow for cooling to avoid a messy situation when cutting. Leftovers can be stored for a week.