Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Bars 🍯🍪 Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy treat with layers of rich peanut butter and gooey caramel. Sweet, nutty, and absolutely irresistible, they make a perfect dessert or snack to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 bag (11 oz) caramel bits or soft caramels, chopped
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough just comes together.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan to form the base layer.
6. Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt the caramel bits with heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough layer.
7. Step 7: Dollop the creamy peanut butter over the caramel layer and gently spread it to cover.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the peanut butter layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
9. Step 9: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bars are set.
10. Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before baking.
• If you prefer a saltier contrast, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer.
• Use natural peanut butter for a healthier twist, but expect a thinner spread layer.
• Swap caramel bits with butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To enjoy warm bars, briefly microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the bars, giving an extra nutty bite. Spread it gently as it may be thicker.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?

You can use soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces. Melt them carefully with the heavy cream over low heat to create the caramel drizzle.

Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Bars 🍯🍪 Recipe

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4.8 from 56 reviews

Chewy peanut butter caramel cookie bars featuring layers of rich peanut butter and gooey caramel atop a soft cookie base. These bars are sweet, nutty, and perfect as a decadent treat or dessert.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Filling & Topping

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 bag (11 oz) caramel bits or soft caramels, chopped
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—avoid overmixing.
5. Layer Cookie Dough: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, even layer.
6. Melt Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stovetop, melt the caramel bits together with the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
7. Add Caramel and Peanut Butter: Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the cookie dough layer. Dollop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the caramel layer, then gently spread it to cover as much as possible without mixing the layers.
8. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the peanut butter layer evenly, forming a crumbly topping.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set in the middle.
10. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Using parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan and ensures clean slices.
• The bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a chewier texture, slightly underbake and allow to cool completely.
• You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if preferred for added texture.
• If caramel bits are unavailable, soft caramels chopped finely and melted with cream work equally well.

Keywords: peanut butter, caramel, cookie bars, dessert, chewy bars, baked sweets, peanut butter bars