Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars are a delightful combination of peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate–all together in a bar cookie that is easy to make and simply irresistible!
Bar cookies might be even more of a favorite than traditional cookies at our house. English Toffee Bars, Caramel Cracker Bars, and Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookies are all at the top of the list. They have all the same flavor, but are easier and faster to make. Plus, they are thicker, and can be even more gooey and delicious–especially where caramel is concerned!
These bars are pretty much perfection. I absolutely love caramel, and when it’s paired with peanut butter, I think the flavors come out even more. Add in chocolate, and it’s the trifecta of bar cookies! Best of all, they are so quick and easy to make.
Table of contents
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Ingredients
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Milk chocolate chips
- Wrapped caramels or Caramel bits
- Evaporated milk
- Peanut butter
Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or Stand mixer
How to make
Prepare a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In your stand mixer (or bowl with hand mixer), beat the butter and both sugars until creamy. Add the eggs one at time, beating after each one, then mix in the vanilla. Mix only until combined.
Add the dry ingredients (flour, soda, and salt) and mix well.
TIP: Fluff up the flour, and then use a spoon to add into your measuring cup. Level off with a knife. This will ensure that you don’t use too much flour, which can affect the recipe.
Remove bowl from stand mixer, and stir in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon. Press evenly half of the dough into the 9×13 pan, and bake for 10 minutes.
While that’s in the oven, prepare the peanut butter caramel sauce. In a microwave safe bowl (I use a Pyrex glass measuring cup), add the evaporated milk and unwrapped caramel or caramel bits. Microwave them in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until you can stir the caramel mixture smooth. It usually takes me about 2 minutes, but this really depends on your microwave. Just remember to check and stir, so it doesn’t burn. Add the peanut butter, and stir until well combined.
Pour the peanut butter caramel over the baked dough when it comes out of the oven, then crumble the rest of the cookie dough evenly on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let sit for a few minutes before cutting.
FAQ
No, both work well. The bits are easier and more convenient to use, but I’ve found that the wrapped melt a little easier. But I’ve used them both!
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Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups All- purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Milk chocolate chips
- 14 ounces unwrapped caramels or Caramel bits
- 2/3 cup Evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In your stand mixer (or bowl with hand mixer), beat the butter and both sugars until creamy. Add the eggs one at time, beating after each one, then mix in the vanilla. Mix only until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients (flour, soda, and salt) and mix well.
- TIP: Fluff up the flour, and then use a spoon to add into your measuring cup. Level off with a knife. This will ensure that you don’t use too much flour, which can affect the recipe.
- Remove bowl from stand mixer, and stir in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon. Press evenly half of the dough into the 9×13 pan, and bake for 10 minutes.
- While that's in the oven, prepare the peanut butter caramel sauce. In a microwave safe bowl (I use a Pyrex glass measuring cup), add the evaporated milk and unwrapped caramel or caramel bits. Microwave them in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until you can stir the caramel mixture smooth. It usually takes me about 2 minutes, but this really depends on your microwave. Just remember to check and stir, so it doesn't burn. Add the peanut butter, and stir until well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter caramel over the baked dough when it comes out of the oven, then crumble the rest of the cookie dough evenly on top. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let sit for a few minutes before cutting.
