Ultimate Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Ultimate Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. With swirls of peanut butter and caramel, topped with toffee bits and chocolate chips, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

A close-up of a square dessert bar with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light tan and smooth, the middle layer is creamy caramel with dark chocolate chips embedded, and the top layer is a golden baked cookie dough full of dark chocolate chips. The bar is drizzled generously with shiny caramel sauce that runs down the sides, and coarse sea salt is sprinkled on top and around the bar on white parchment paper. The background is blurred with a warm brown wood texture that contrasts with the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the peanut butter and caramel sauce over the dough, then use a knife to swirl them together.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the toffee bits and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

  • Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
  • For a festive twist, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping.
  • If you prefer a richer caramel flavor, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square dessert bar with three visible layers: the bottom and top layers are light brown cookie dough with dark chocolate chips scattered throughout, and the middle layer is caramel with embedded chocolate chips. The top cookie layer is drizzled with golden caramel sauce that cascades down the sides. The dessert sits on a piece of white parchment paper on a wooden surface, with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt and small cookie crumbs around it, all against a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, but natural peanut butter is usually thinner and less sweet, which may affect the texture and flavor slightly. You might want to chill the peanut butter before drizzling to help it hold its shape better.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the texture.

Print

Ultimate Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

These Ultimate Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine all your favorite flavors into one decadent treat. Featuring a buttery cookie base swirled with creamy peanut butter and luscious caramel sauce, topped with crunchy toffee bits and melty chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in every bite.

  • Author: Dylan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Toppings

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
  5. Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the bars.
  6. Spread Dough: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  7. Swirl Peanut Butter and Caramel: Drizzle the creamy peanut butter and caramel sauce over the dough surface. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect without mixing completely.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toffee bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the dough to add texture and bursts of flavor.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.
  10. Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creamy texture when creaming with sugars.
  • Swirling peanut butter and caramel gently prevents them from sinking and helps maintain distinct flavor pockets.
  • Letting the bars cool fully before cutting helps them set and prevents crumbling.
  • You can substitute toffee bits with chopped nuts for a different texture.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Keywords: peanut butter bars, caramel cookie bars, toffee chocolate chip bars, dessert bars, easy cookie bars

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