These Peanut Caramel Bars are a guaranteed hit for any gathering. With just five ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these decadent bars featuring a crispy cookie crust, a caramel center, salty peanuts and a toasted marshmallow topping. They're the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will keep guests coming back for more.
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Looking for a new favorite treat? These Peanut Caramel Bars will do the trick! This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dessert that's both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
With a sugar cookie base, luscious caramel, crunchy salty peanuts, and melty marshmallows, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to a quiet evening indulgence.
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What You'll Love About This Recipe
- Easy to make: With refrigerated dough and simple toppings, these bars come together in no time.
- Delicious Flavors: The perfect blend of sweet caramel, salty peanuts, and chewy marshmallows offers a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatility: Easily customizable with different nuts or additional toppings like chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, satisfying both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Dough: Look for high-quality refrigerated dough for a buttery and tender base.
Caramel Bits: Choose soft caramel bits that melt smoothly for a rich, gooey filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess to the caramel, making it luxuriously smooth.
Salted Peanuts: Opt for roasted and salted peanuts for that extra crunch and flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: They add a sweet, soft texture contrast and toast beautifully.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy removal.
Form the Cookie Base: Slice the refrigerated cookie dough and arrange it in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared dish. Press down slightly to form an even layer.
Bake the Base: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, maintaining the oven’s temperature.
Tip: When arranging the cookie dough in the pan, make sure it's even to prevent uneven baking. Pressing the dough down lightly will create a solid base for your toppings.
Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits with heavy whipping cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
Assemble the Toppings: Pour the melted caramel over the cooled cookie base, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the salted peanuts and mini marshmallows over the caramel.
Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn a light golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out for easy slicing. Cut into 12 pieces and enjoy!
Substitutions
Nuts: You can substitute the peanuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews, depending on your preference.
Variations
Want to try some variations on this recipe? Here are some of our favorite ideas.
- Nutty Delight: Swap the peanuts with a mix of almonds and pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
- Tropical Twist: Add coconut flakes to the marshmallows for a tropical flavor.
Storage
Have leftover caramel peanut bars? Here are our storage tips to keep your bars fresher, longer.
Room Temperature: Store the Peanut Caramel Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is ideal for short-term storage and ensures the bars remain chewy and delicious.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. In a cooler environment, the caramel sets firmer, which might alter the texture slightly but will keep the bars fresh longer.
Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in cling film or parchment paper and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the bars from sticking together and makes it easy to enjoy one at a time. When ready to eat, allow the bars to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Top tip
Watch the Caramel: Keep an eye on the caramel as it melts in the microwave to avoid overheating, which can cause it to seize. Stirring between intervals helps distribute the heat and ensures a smooth consistency.
FAQ
Yes, you can! After making and baking the bars, let them cool down. Then, you can store them in a container with a lid. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can put them in the fridge for up to a week.
Totally! Once the bars have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic and put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, just let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter.
If you don’t have caramel bits, you can use regular soft caramels. Just unwrap them and melt them with the cream like the recipe says. You could also try using caramel sauce, but the bars might turn out a little softer.
Yes! You can swap the sugar cookie dough with other flavors like chocolate chip, peanut butter, or even snickerdoodle. It will give the bars a different taste but still be delicious!
Related
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Recipe
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Caramel Peanut Bars
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated sugar cookie dough 16 ounces
- 1 bag caramel bits 11 ounces
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup salted peanuts
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Slice the sugar cookie dough and arrange it evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookie base is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and heavy whipping cream.
- Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked cookie base, spreading it evenly.
- Immediately sprinkle the peanuts and mini marshmallows on top of the caramel layer.
- Bake again for about 12 minutes, or until the marshmallows are lightly golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
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