Description
Knock You Naked Bars are ultra-decadent cookie bars made with layers of buttery chocolate chip cookie dough and a gooey caramel-peanut butter center. Baked to golden perfection, these bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Rich, chewy, and dangerously addictive, they’re easy to prepare and even easier to devour.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Layer
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1 (14 oz) bag soft caramels (e.g., Kraft), unwrapped
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5 oz evaporated milk
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½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cookie Dough
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, cream butter, sugars, and vanilla until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
2️⃣ First Bake the Base
• Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
• Spread half the cookie dough evenly in the dish.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set.
• Remove and let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Make the Caramel Layer
• In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and evaporated milk.
• Stir frequently until smooth and melted.
• Add peanut butter and mix well.
4️⃣ Layer and Finish Baking
• Pour caramel mixture over the partially baked cookie layer.
• Drop spoonfuls of remaining cookie dough on top.
• Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
• Let cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Notes
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Let bars cool completely before cutting to avoid caramel spilling.
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Use parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
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Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
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To make gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
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These bars freeze well individually wrapped.
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Slightly reheat in the microwave for a fresh-baked texture.
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Vegan adaptations available in article Part 6 (use vegan butter, egg replacers, and coconut caramel).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 311mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 57mg
Keywords: knock you naked bars, caramel cookie bars, chocolate chip bars, peanut butter dessert, gooey dessert bars, party bar recipe, easy bar cookie, caramel layered bars