Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! These Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re like a gigantic hug wrapped in caramel and peanut butter goodness. Let me tell you a little story. The first time I made these, I was having a bunch of friends over for a movie night. I wanted to impress them, and boy, did these bars do the trick! We devoured them while watching “The Princess Bride,” and every bite was met with oohs and aahs. Now, whenever I make these, they instantly transport me back to that cozy evening filled with laughter, snacks, and classic film quotes.
What sets these bars apart is the magical combination of creamy peanut butter and that luscious caramel. It’s like they were destined to be together! And who doesn’t love the texture of that slight crunch from the topping? If you’re looking for a baking project that’s as fun as it is delicious, then roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
What’s in Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This will be the base of our bars, giving them that creamy, rich texture. I always go for the good stuff, but if you’re in a pinch, margarine works too (though I prefer butter’s flavor).
– 1 cup granulated sugar: For that sweet lift, this sugar helps create a perfectly sweet dough.
– 1 cup packed brown sugar: It adds that lovely depth of flavor and a bit of moisture. I love light brown sugar, but dark gives a richer taste too!
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! You can use any brand, but my heart belongs to Jif or Skippy. Just make sure it’s creamy for that smooth texture.
– 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together, giving our bars structure.
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla elevates all the other flavors!
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bar, ensuring they hold together and giving them that wonderful, chewy texture.
– 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little ingredient helps our bars puff up just a bit.
– ½ teaspoon salt: Because we all know sweet treats need a hint of salt to bring out their flavors!
– 1 cup caramel sauce: The gooey goodness that takes these bars to the next level. You can use homemade caramel, but I usually grab a jar from the store—super handy!
– ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish): Adds a little crunch and enhances that peanut flavor, but feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
– Sea salt (for sprinkling on top): Just a pinch brings a magnificent balance to the sweetness!
Is Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—are these bars healthy? Well, they might not be what you’d call “health food,” but there are some redeeming qualities here! The peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats that can keep you feeling full. Plus, if you skip the optional chopped peanuts, you might shave off a few calories.
On the flip side, this sweet treat is definitely on the indulgent side due to the sugars and butter. Moderation is key here, my friends! Enjoy these bars as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack, and your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel sauce
– ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
– Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—trust me, it makes removal so much simpler!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until it’s smooth and fluffy. This makes the kitchen smell delightful!
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. It should look heavenly!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The dry team must assemble!
5. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and a dough forms.
6. Reserve about 1 cup of dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
7. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until it’s just set but not overly browned—don’t walk away, you’ll want to keep an eye on it!
8. While that crust is baking, prepare the caramel filling. If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly to make it easier to pour.
9. Once the crust is done baking, pull it from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the base, spreading it gently to cover everything.
10. Crumble the reserved cookie dough over the caramel layer, covering it as evenly as possible.
11. For an optional crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the cookie dough layer.
12. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is slightly golden and the caramel is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery—just a heads up!
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack because, really, patience is a virtue here! Once cooled, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that perfect contrast.
14. Slice into bars and serve, enjoying every gooey, crunchy bite!
Sweet Little Additions
Here’s a fun tip: These cookie bars are at their best when served slightly warm or at room temperature. They happily sit in an airtight container for a week, but who are we kidding—they won’t last that long!
As for serving suggestions, I love these with a glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee. Feel free to pair them with some vanilla ice cream if you want to take things over the top!
So, there you have it—my beloved Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. I truly hope you give this recipe a whirl. If you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share how it turned out, and let’s bask in this caramel-filled delight together! Happy baking!
