Better Than Anything Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

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

# 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:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13" baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
04 - Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set and lightly golden around the edges.
05 - While the first layer bakes, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on power level 5 for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted and smooth. Stir in peanut butter until fully incorporated.
06 - Pour the warm caramel sauce over the baked cookie layer, spreading evenly. Drop remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer (it doesn't need to cover completely).
07 - Return to oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown, with bubbling caramel and firm edges but soft center.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This ensures the caramel sets properly for clean cutting.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - For variety, try using dark or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
02 - Substitute almond butter or sunflower butter for peanut butter to create a nut-free version.
03 - Caramel bits or homemade caramel can be used if wrapped caramels aren't available.
04 - For added texture, consider incorporating chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dough or as a topping.

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