There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel. It’s the kind of treat that takes you straight back to childhood—gooey, sweet, and utterly comforting. These Chocolate Chip Cookie and Caramel Peanut Butter Bars bring together the best of all dessert worlds: a chewy cookie base, rich caramel filling, and a nutty peanut butter swirl.

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery bar where melted chocolate chips meet silky caramel and peanut butter. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors—chewy, slightly crisp at the edges, and decadently gooey in the middle. Whether you’re making these for a weekend treat, a bake sale, or a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!

These bars are also perfect for sharing, but no one would blame you if you kept a secret stash just for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
• Rich and Gooey – The caramel and peanut butter filling create an ultra-luscious center.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent afternoon snack.
• Customizable – Add nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Base:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ cup peanut butter

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie and Caramel Peanut Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, so your bars bake up light and chewy.

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it helps incorporate air into the dough, making the bars perfectly soft. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Peanut Butter Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Once melted, stir in the peanut butter until well combined. This creates a luscious, creamy filling that adds an irresistible gooey layer to the bars.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base of your bars. Spread the caramel peanut butter mixture evenly over the dough, making sure it reaches the edges.

Take the remaining cookie dough and drop spoonfuls over the caramel layer. Don’t worry about covering it completely—some caramel peeking through adds to the visual appeal!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The center should still be slightly soft—it will firm up as it cools.

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps the caramel set, making it easier to slice into neat squares. But if you love a gooey, melty bite, go ahead and sneak one while they’re warm!

Helpful Tips

• Use Parchment Paper – Lining your pan with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the bars out effortlessly.
• Chill Before Slicing – If you want cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Experiment with Toppings – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped peanuts on top adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
• Make it Extra Chocolatey – Swap half the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a fun variation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 16-20 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Note

• You can use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramel candies if you prefer a more natural option.
• Store-bought peanut butter works best for this recipe, as natural peanut butter can sometimes be too runny.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid a messy caramel oozing out.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter would work well, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

2. How do I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. What’s the best way to reheat these bars?
If you love warm, gooey bars, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Chocolate Chip Cookie and Caramel Peanut Butter Bars, you might also enjoy:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding – A Rich and Indulgent Dessert
• Decadent Caramel Brownies
• Chewy and Fudgy Mochi Brownies
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookie and Caramel Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert. With layers of rich chocolate chip cookie dough, creamy caramel, and nutty peanut butter, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a little homemade comfort food, these bars are sure to be a hit.

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