Caramel - Peanut Butter Bars

Cookie Base

1

pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix

1/2

cup butter or margarine, softened

1

egg

15

miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, coarsely chopped

Filling

36

caramels (from 14-oz bag), unwrapped

1

can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

1/4

cup creamy peanut butter

1/2

cup peanuts

Topping

1

container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy milk chocolate frosting

1/2

cup peanuts, chopped

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in candies. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat caramels and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Stir in peanut butter. Heat to boiling. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup peanuts. Spread over warm cookie base. Cool completely, about 2 hours.
3. Spread frosting evenly over filling. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 36 bars

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker^® Kitchens

Success

Skip the cooking spray, and instead line the pan with quick-release foil for easy cleanup and removal of bars from the pan.

Special Touch

Cut bars in half again to make bite-size squares for a dessert buffet.