Better Than Anything Bars (Print Version)

Indulgent layered bars with buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for an unforgettable dessert experience.

# Ingredients:

→ Bars

01 - 1 cup butter, softened
02 - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup white sugar
04 - 2 medium eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Caramel Sauce

10 - 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
11 - 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
12 - 1/2 cup peanut butter

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
05 - Fold in the chocolate chips by hand or with the mixer. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
06 - Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just set and lightly golden around the edges.
07 - While the dough is baking, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth.
08 - Stir peanut butter into the melted caramel mixture until completely incorporated.
09 - Pour the prepared caramel sauce over the baked cookie layer. Spread evenly with a spatula.
10 - Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer, leaving some gaps to allow the caramel to peek through.
11 - Return pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling.
12 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares with a sharp knife.

# Additional Notes:

01 - You can experiment with different chocolate types or add nuts for extra crunch.