Peanut Butter Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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• ¾ cup melted unsalted butter
  Ingredient note

  Source: ¾ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 each large eggs, (room temperature)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 large eggs, (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Source: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  Ingredient note

  Source: ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, (or milk chocolate)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, (or milk chocolate)
• 14 ounces soft caramels
  Ingredient note

  Source: 14 ounces soft caramels
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  Ingredient note

  Source: ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  Ingredient note

  Source: ½ cup creamy peanut butter

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhand on either side, and spray with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal.
2. Add the butter, brown sugar, and sugar to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
3. Add flour, salt, and baking soda and mix until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
4. Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8-9 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the peanut butter caramel by adding the caramels and cream to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each increment until smooth and combined.
6. Add the peanut butter and vanilla to the caramel mixture and stir until combined.
7. Pour the peanut butter caramel on top of the baked cookie and spread evenly. Crumble the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel. Bake for an additional 18-20 minutes or until lightly brown. Let the cookie bars cool completely before slicing and serving.