Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re like me and can’t resist the rich combination of caramel and peanut butter, you are in for an absolute treat today. Let me tell you, these Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are nothing short of heavenly! There’s just something about the melt-in-your-mouth texture juxtaposed with that luscious caramel that makes me feel like I’ve struck gold in the kitchen.
I first whipped up these delightful bars during a family gathering. As soon as I took the first bite, I couldn’t help but notice the hush that fell over the room—only the sound of munching could be heard! The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless, and it quickly became a go-to recipe for every festive occasion and casual get-together. Trust me, this recipe is the perfect blend of gooey, nutty, and sweet flavors that’s bound to be a hit wherever you take it!
What’s in Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
Let’s take a closer look at these fantastic ingredients that create such a magic in each bite:
Unsalted Butter: The foundation of many great desserts, butter gives these bars a wonderful richness. I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but if you’re all out, just adjust the salt in the recipe!
Creamy Peanut Butter: This star ingredient brings that ultimate peanut-y flavor and a lovely creaminess that pairs fabulously with the other elements.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds not only sweetness but also moisture to the dough, contributing to a softer texture—yum!
Granulated Sugar: For that perfect sweetness balance, I like to add a bit of granulated sugar to complement the brown sugar.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture we crave.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds a wonderful aroma and a warm, comforting flavor to the bars.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these cookie bars, helping to create that structure we know and love in cookies.
Baking Soda: This little leavener provides a bit of lift in the bars, ensuring they aren’t too dense.
Salt: A small pinch of salt balances out those sweet notes, boosting the overall flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Whether you make it at home or grab a jar from the store, this rich topping is essential for that sweet, gooey goodness.
Peanut Butter Chips (optional): If you want to crank up the flavor, sprinkle in some peanut butter chips for an extra creamy and nutty kick!
Is Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Good for You?
Now, I think it’s important to talk a little health while indulging too! Here’s what you should know about these cookie bars:
Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter does add some nutritional benefits (hooray!). It can help keep you feeling fuller for longer, just don’t go overboard!
Butter and Sugar: Let’s be real—these bars are a treat! While delicious, they do contain sugar and butter, so I’d suggest enjoying them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
All things considered, a little indulgence now and then is okay, especially when it brings joy to your taste buds and those around you!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional for extra flavor)
**Servings:** Approximately 12-16 bars, depending on how big you like to cut them!
How to Make Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars?
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to create these drool-worthy bars:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in that glorious vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Press about 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base.
6. Pour the luscious caramel sauce evenly over the cookie dough layer. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some delightful peanut butter chips on top of the caramel.
7. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, gently pressing down to ensure it sticks.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Sweet Tips & Variations
– For an extra burst of flavor, a pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top before baking creates a delightful sweet-salty contrast. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
– These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!). For longer freshness, stow them in the fridge.
So, there you have it! A recipe that’s bound to become a favorite for any occasion. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—do you add your own twist? Enjoy these delightful Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars and share those smiles with your friends and family! Happy baking!
