Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars

Buttery caramel sandwiched between cookie base and chocolate topping

Servings

117 bars

Level

Easy

Cookie Layer

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Challenge Butter, cold and cut into ½-inch pieces

Caramel Layer and Topping

  • ½ cup (1 stick) Challenge Butter
  • 1½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 5-6 oz. chocolate chips, bittersweet or semisweet
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Cookie Layer

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • 2
    Prepare a 9 x 13-inch pan by lightly buttering the sides.
  • 3
    Combine flour, sugar, and butter pieces in food processor bowl with knife blade attachment; pulse 8-10 times. Particles should resemble coarse crumbs. (To mix by hand, combine dry ingredients then cut butter in with a pastry blender.)
  • 4
    Pour mixture into prepared pan, shake pan to distribute the crumbs evenly. Bake 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Caramel Layer and Topping

  • 1
    In heavy 2 to 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • 2
    Add sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly. Mixture will caramelize to a golden brown and come to a boil. Continue to cook over medium heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching until the temperature of the mixture reaches 248°F (firm ball stage). Pour mixture evenly onto baked cookie layer in pan.
  • 3
    Sprinkle with chocolate chips, wait 2 minutes; then spread chocolate evenly over candy. Then sprinkle nuts over the warm chocolate.
  • 4
    Allow the candy to thoroughly cool so the chocolate is firm. Cut into approximately 1-inch bars. Store in an airtight container with waxed paper between candy layers.