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Let me tell you about my absolutely irresistible Knock You Naked Bars. These heavenly treats layer gooey caramel creamy peanut butter and buttery cookie dough into something truly magical. Every bite brings pure joy whether you're generous enough to share them or sneaking them all for yourself trust me no one will blame you.
What Makes These Bars Special
These bars are pure dessert perfection hitting all the right notes with their blend of silky caramel chocolate chips and that perfect touch of salty peanut butter. I love that I can make them ahead and pop them in the freezer for whenever a craving hits. They're just as perfect for casual snacking as they are for wowing guests at a party.
Everything You'll Need
- Flour: Good old all purpose flour gives us that perfect cookie base.
- Baking Soda: Just enough to give our bars a lovely light texture.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all those amazing sweet flavors.
- Butter: Make sure it's unsalted and softened for the dreamiest dough.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works magic here.
- Brown Sugar: This gives us that wonderful moistness and deeper flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla makes everything taste better.
- Eggs: These hold everything together beautifully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For those perfect pockets of chocolate goodness.
- Evaporated Milk: The secret to our perfectly balanced caramel.
- Caramels: Get the soft ones they melt like a dream.
- Peanut Butter: Adds that irresistible creamy salty touch.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Get Started
- First things first heat your oven to 350°F and give your baking pan a good greasing.
- Mix Your Basics
- Grab a bowl and whisk together your flour baking soda and salt.
- Create Your Dough
- Now for the fun part beat those sugars butter and vanilla until they're super creamy. Add your eggs one at a time then slowly mix in your dry ingredients. Don't forget those chocolate chips.
- First Layer
- Spread half that gorgeous dough in your pan and give it a quick 8-10 minute bake.
- Make It Gooey
- While that's cooling melt your caramels with evaporated milk stir in the peanut butter until it's silky smooth then spread it all over your base.
- Top It Off
- Drop spoonfuls of your remaining dough over that amazing caramel layer.
- Final Bake
- Back in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it's golden perfection let it cool completely before cutting.
Keep Them Fresh
These bars keep beautifully store them in an airtight container and they'll stay perfect at room temp for 3 days or pop them in the fridge for a week. Want to save some for later? Wrap them up and freeze them for up to 2 months. I love wrapping them individually it's like having a stash of happiness ready whenever you need it.
Mix It Up
These bars love to dress up different ways. Need them nut free? Skip the peanut butter. Feeling fancy? Try white chocolate or butterscotch chips instead. My favorite twist is adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top it takes that caramel flavor to a whole new level.
My Best Tips
Always use evaporated milk not sweetened condensed it makes all the difference in that caramel sauce. Be patient let them cool completely before cutting you'll get such nice clean slices. Want more of that gooey goodness? Feel free to amp up the caramel layer with extra caramels and milk.
Serving Ideas
While these bars are absolutely divine on their own try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For special occasions sprinkle some crushed nuts or dust with powdered sugar right before serving. They're perfect alongside your favorite coffee or hot cocoa.
Perfect for Every Event
These bars never fail to steal the show at parties potlucks and holiday gatherings. That gooey caramel center and incredible flavor combination makes everyone's eyes light up when they spot them on the dessert table. They're just as perfect for special celebrations as they are for cozy family movie nights.
Why These Will Become Your Favorite
These bars check all the boxes crunchy edges gooey centers that perfect caramel pull and just enough peanut butter to make everything pop. They're simple enough to whip up anytime but special enough to make any occasion feel celebratory. Once you try them they'll become your go to dessert I promise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to layer the cookie dough?
- Spread half the dough in an even layer for the base, then drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls on top of the caramel layer. Don't worry about complete coverage.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
- The bars should be light golden brown on top. Be careful not to overbake as this will make the caramel too hard.
- → Can I use different chocolate chips?
- Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference. The semi-sweet provides a good balance with the sweet caramel.
- → How should I store these bars?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Yes, these bars can be made 1-2 days ahead. The caramel will continue to set up but remain gooey.
Conclusion
These indulgent cookie bars combine layers of chocolate chip cookie dough with a melted caramel-peanut butter filling for an irresistibly gooey treat.