Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly combines gooey caramel, rich peanut butter, and decadent chocolate, look no further than these Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They are a delightful treat that’s ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply indulging at home. Each bite is a heavenly layer of flavors and textures, making them hard to resist. Let’s dive into why these cookie bars are worth your time and how you can whip them up in your kitchen.
Why Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is Worth Your Time
These cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. The combination of peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The chewy texture from the oats and the crunch from the Heath toffee bits add an unexpected twist that elevates these bars above standard cookies. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, and you can prepare a large batch to share with friends and family. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that has everyone asking for the recipe!
What We’re Using
To create these delightful Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 11 ounces caramels
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter chips
- 1 cup Heath toffee bits
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: To bake the cookie bars evenly.
- Spatula: For spreading the batter and caramel mixture.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the caramels and butter.
- Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
Mastering Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: How-To
Making these cookie bars is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless result.
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel
Begin by unwrapping the caramels and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In another bowl, beat together 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until combined. Add in the 2 cups of light brown sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
To the butter and sugar mixture, add 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Toffee Bits
Gently fold in the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips, and 1 cup of Heath toffee bits into the cookie dough. These will add texture and flavor to your bars.
Step 7: Layer the Batter in the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan and spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the bottom. This will form the base of your cookie bars.
Step 8: Add the Caramel Layer
Pour the prepared caramel mixture over the first layer of cookie dough, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Cookie Dough
Take the remaining cookie dough and dollop it over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread it out as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will spread during baking.
Step 10: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 11: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Dietary Customizations
If you’re looking to customize these Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, consider the following options:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunbutter or another nut-free spread.
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Letting the bars cool completely will make them easier to cut and serve.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a thicker bar, use a smaller baking pan or double the recipe.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to prepare these cookie bars ahead of time, you can do so with ease:
- Prepare the cookie dough and caramel mixture, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Assemble and bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- You can also freeze the baked bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What should I do if my cookie bars are too crumbly?
If your cookie bars are too crumbly, it may be that they were overbaked or the dough was too dry. Make sure to check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time, and consider adding a bit more melted butter to the dough next time.
Why did my caramel layer not set properly?
Ensure that you have melted the caramels with enough butter and sweetened condensed milk. If your caramel mixture was too thin, it may not set properly. Try to heat it gently and ensure it’s combined well.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make these cookie bars more festive?
To make these bars more festive, consider adding seasonal sprinkles, using colored chocolate chips, or drizzling melted chocolate on top for decoration.
Save & Share
These Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleaser that deserves to be shared! Whether you’re taking them to a gathering or enjoying them at home, don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creations on social media. Use hashtags to let your followers know about this delicious recipe, and spread the joy of baking!
Indulging in these Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress friends and family alike. With their irresistible combination of flavors, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by unwrapping the caramels and placing them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- In another bowl, beat together 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until combined. Add in the 2 cups of light brown sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
- To the butter and sugar mixture, add 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips, and 1 cup of Heath toffee bits into the cookie dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan and spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the bottom.
- Pour the prepared caramel mixture over the first layer of cookie dough, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Dollop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and spread it out as evenly as possible.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Letting the bars cool completely will make them easier to cut and serve.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
