Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars (Print Version)
Layered bars combining peanut butter, chocolate chips, and a luscious caramel topping.
# Ingredients:
Bars
01 -
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
03 -
1 teaspoon salt
04 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 -
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Sauce
10 -
5 ounces evaporated milk
11 -
1 bag (14 ounces) caramels
12 -
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
04 -
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
05 -
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
06 -
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly set but not browned. Remove from oven.
07 -
While the cookie base bakes, melt caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler over gentle heat. Once melted, stir in peanut butter until smooth and thoroughly combined.
08 -
Spread the warm caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie base.
09 -
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, spacing evenly to cover the surface irregularly.
10 -
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top dough turns light golden brown and set.
# Notes:
01 -
Use a double boiler for melting caramels to prevent burning; stirring constantly ensures a smooth sauce.