Better Than Anything Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars truly live up to their name—they combine the best elements of cookies, caramel, and chocolate into one incredible dessert. The buttery cookie dough baked on the bottom creates a firm yet tender foundation, while the creamy caramel and peanut butter layer adds gooey sweetness. The final touch of chocolate chips melts into the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Bars:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup white sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ¼ 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 (or 14 ounces caramel bits)

• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk (use only 5 ounces even if can is larger)

• ½ cup peanut butter

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9"x13" baking pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand or gently with a mixer.

6. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until partially set.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the caramel sauce: place the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power (level 5) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Add the peanut butter and stir thoroughly.

8. Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie layer.

9. Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer, spacing evenly but it’s okay if some gaps remain.

10. Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top cookie dough is golden brown and cooked through.

11. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 20 bars

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes total

• Cooling Time: At least 30 minutes for best slicing

Variations

• Swap peanut butter in the caramel sauce for almond butter or Nutella for a different flavor twist.

• Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for added crunch.

• For a saltier contrast, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top cookie dough.

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy after refrigeration, allow bars to come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

What type of caramel works best for this recipe?

Soft caramel candies or caramel bits both work well. Avoid hard caramel candies as they won’t melt smoothly.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made 1-2 days in advance for best flavor and texture.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dough to avoid over-salting.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Don’t over-spread the top cookie dough layer; leaving some gaps helps the caramel stay contained as it bakes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but bake in two pans rather than doubling batter in one pan for even baking.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute sweetened condensed milk diluted with a little water, but it may slightly alter the texture.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent gooey caramel from sticking to the knife.

Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are good alternatives.

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What is the best way to reheat these bars?

Microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to soften the caramel and chocolate.

Conclusion

Better Than Anything Bars truly live up to their name with their unbeatable combination of buttery cookie, creamy caramel, peanut butter richness, and melty chocolate. They’re straightforward to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth craving. Whether for a party, dessert, or just a special treat at home, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.