Better Than Anything Bars (Print-Friendly Version)
Indulgent layered bars with buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for an unforgettable dessert experience.
# Ingredients List:
→ Bars
01 -
1 cup butter, softened
02 -
1 cup brown sugar, packed
03 -
1/2 cup white sugar
04 -
2 medium eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
→ Caramel Sauce
10 -
14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
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5 ounces canned evaporated milk
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1/2 cup peanut butter
# How to Make It:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
You can experiment with different chocolate types or add nuts for extra crunch.