Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars from 12tomatoes.com/

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (mini) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 package (10 oz.) soft caramels, unwrapped
  • Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Coat foil with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped caramels in a medium sauce pot and place over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the caramels melt and the mixture is smooth and a medium-dark amber color. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt and mix together.
  • In a large bowl or mixer, beat together butter and sugars until combined. Then add eggs one by one, mixing after each addition.
  • Add in vanilla extract, then gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in chocolate chips, then press half of the cookie dough into foil-lined baking dish.
  • Pour the caramel mixture over the cookie dough, and spoon the remaining cookie dough over the top taking care that the spoonfuls are evenly distributed across the whole dish.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges have begun to pull away from the sides of the pan.
  • Remove from oven and let cool completely. Lift bars out of pan by the edges of the foil and cut into bars. Serve and enjoy!