Peanut Butter, Caramel and Chocolate Chip Bars

Could you even dare to think of a better combination for blondies than this? Peanut butter AND caramel??? AND Chocolate chips??? Just thinking about these entices me to make them again - and I should, because I didn't get to eat enough of the first batch. I took them to a party and they disappeared quickly. And it's no wonder. They are amazing. But don't take my word for it - make them yourself! Today!

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Peanut Butter, Caramel and Chocolate Chip Bars

12 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Caramel:
10 ounces caramels, unwrapped
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Line a 9x13 pan with foil, and spray the foil with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar and sugar together until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add the flour, salt and baking soda and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Press a little more than half of the batter in the bottom of the pan lined and bake for 8-9 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the caramels and milk in a medium glass bowl and microwave for 1-minute increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until the caramel is melted and smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract.

Drizzle the caramel mixture over the top of the baked cookie dough and spread evenly. Drop the remaining cookie dough in teaspoonsfuls over the top of the caramel.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the bars are puffed and the edges are slightly golden. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe