5 Delicious Cookie Bars with Kraft Caramel Bits

5 Delicious Cookie Bars with Kraft Caramel Bits

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, the lure of soft, chewy cookie bars can be irresistible. Especially when we add the sweet, gooey element of Kraft Caramel Bits, these treats become next-level indulgence. In this blog post, we'll walk through five delectable recipes that incorporate these tiny treats, ensuring your next bake is a sweet success. From classic combinations to unique twists, get ready to elevate your dessert game.

Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Chip and Caramel Bars

Begin with the timeless base of chocolate chip cookie dough, but elevate it with the richness of caramel. Here’s how:

• Ingredients: Flour, baking soda, salt, butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, Kraft Caramel Bits.
• Preparation:
  1. Cream butter and sugars, then incorporate eggs and vanilla.
  2. Add dry ingredients, followed by chocolate chips and caramel bits.
  3. Spread batter in a lined baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

🍪 Note: If your caramel bits are sticking together, toss them with a little flour before adding to the dough.

Recipe 2: Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars

Adding a sweet-salty contrast, these bars are perfect for sophisticated palates:

• Ingredients: Pretzels, Kraft Caramel Bits, heavy cream, dark chocolate, sea salt.
• Preparation:
  1. Layer pretzels in a dish, melt caramel bits with cream, and pour over pretzels.
  2. Melt chocolate, spread over caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Chill until firm, then cut into bars.

Recipe 3: Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Bars

For the fall enthusiasts, these bars bring the flavors of pumpkin pie and caramel together:

• Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, butter, Kraft Caramel Bits.
• Preparation:
  1. Combine wet and dry ingredients for the pumpkin base, reserving some caramel bits.
  2. Swirl caramel bits through the batter before baking.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.

Recipe 4: Oatmeal Caramel Delight

These oatmeal-based bars offer a hearty twist with a caramel surprise:

• Ingredients: Oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, eggs, butter, Kraft Caramel Bits, vanilla extract.
• Preparation:
  1. Mix wet and dry ingredients for the dough, including oats.
  2. Fold in caramel bits and bake at 350°F until the edges are golden brown.

Recipe 5: Triple Threat Cookie Bars

Combining the best of cookies, chocolate, and caramel in one bar:

• Ingredients: Cookie dough (store-bought or homemade), caramel sauce, Kraft Caramel Bits, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (optional).
• Preparation:
  1. Press cookie dough into a pan, layer with caramel sauce, caramel bits, and chocolate chips.
  2. Bake at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes.
  3. If desired, sprinkle nuts on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

All these recipes leverage the sweet, caramelized flavor of Kraft Caramel Bits, transforming traditional cookie bars into something extraordinary. Whether you enjoy them as an after-school treat, a dessert for dinner parties, or just a personal indulgence, these cookie bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Each of these recipes offers a unique experience, ensuring that you'll never run out of delicious options. When planning to bake these bars, consider:

• Baking times are approximate; ovens vary, so always keep an eye on your treats.
• The texture of the caramel can be adjusted by varying the bake time.
• Experiment with different flavors of chips or nuts to create your own signature bars.

By trying these recipes, you'll not only master the art of baking cookie bars but also discover the versatile ways Kraft Caramel Bits can enhance your baking creations. So why not make your kitchen a caramel haven and see how these recipes resonate with your friends and family?

Can I use other caramel products instead of Kraft Caramel Bits?

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Yes, you can use other caramel products like caramel sauce or even melting down soft caramels. However, Kraft Caramel Bits are designed to maintain their shape while offering a gooey texture when baked, which might not be the same with other products.

How should I store these cookie bars?

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Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep well for up to 5 days, or you can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture, extending their shelf life to around a week.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

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Absolutely, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture. Ensure other ingredients like chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t like caramel?

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If caramel isn’t your favorite, you can replace the caramel bits with other ingredients like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts. These recipes are flexible, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences.