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Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

Better Than Anything Bars are decadent layered bars featuring a rich, buttery cookie base, a gooey caramel and peanut butter middle, and a final chocolate chip-studded cookie topping. These bars combine sweet, salty, and nutty flavors with a satisfying chewy texture, perfect for an indulgent treat or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Bars:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Caramel Sauce:

  • 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
  • 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9″x13″ baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fully combined.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is uniform.
  4. Combine dry ingredients and mix: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a thick dough.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed.
  6. Bake the first cookie layer: Spread half the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Make the caramel sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels with evaporated milk. Microwave on medium power (power level 5) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated and creamy.
  8. Assemble layers: Remove the pan from the oven. Pour and spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked cookie layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel; it need not cover completely, allowing caramel and chocolate to peek through.
  9. Bake the assembled bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, until the top dough is golden brown and caramel is bubbling. Edges should be firm, center soft and chewy.
  10. Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Microwave caramel mixture carefully to avoid scorching; stir frequently.
  • Peanut butter adds flavor and richness, but can be omitted or substituted if allergic.
  • Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
  • For easier slicing, chill bars before cutting.

Keywords: cookie bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, peanut butter caramel dessert, layered bars, easy dessert, homemade treat

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/better-than-anything-bars-recipe/