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Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

Better Than Anything Bars are indulgent layered cookie bars featuring a buttery, tender cookie dough base and top with melty chocolate chips and a rich, gooey caramel and peanut butter middle layer. These bars combine sweet, salty, and creamy elements to create a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bars release easily after baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, fully combined to form the base of your dough.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add vanilla extract and mix until the dough comes together.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand or mixer until evenly distributed throughout the thick, slightly sticky dough.
  6. Bake First Cookie Layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set and lightly golden at the edges.
  7. Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the first layer bakes, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on power level 5 for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.
  8. Add Peanut Butter to Caramel: Stir peanut butter into the warm caramel mixture until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, nutty caramel sauce.
  9. Assemble Layers: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the baked cookie layer. Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls on top of the caramel, allowing caramel and chocolate to peek through.
  10. Bake Assembled Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until the cookie dough is golden brown and caramel is bubbly. The edges should be firm while the center remains soft and chewy.
  11. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set the caramel and ease slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a lighter texture.
  • Microwave times may vary; stir often to prevent burning the caramel mixture.
  • For extra gooey bars, avoid overbaking—edges should be firm but centers soft.
  • You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, layered cookie bars, peanut butter caramel bars, easy dessert recipe

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