These Knock Bars are rich, chewy, and downright irresistible. With layers of soft chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiching a gooey caramel-peanut butter filling, each bite delivers sweet, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. They’re the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for parties, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving something extra decadent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors
Great for make-ahead desserts and holiday gift trays
Uses everyday pantry staples
Includes high-revenue ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prepping treats

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Bars

All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups)
Creates the structure and base for the cookie dough.
Baking Soda (1 tsp)
Acts as a leavening agent, giving the bars lift and softness.
Salt (1 tsp)
Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Butter, softened (1 cup)
Adds moisture, richness, and that classic cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup)
Gives sweetness and helps with a light crispness on the edges.
Brown Sugar, packed (3/4 cup)
Adds depth, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Boosts the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Eggs (2)
Bind the dough and help with texture and moisture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups)
Melty pockets of chocolate that complement the caramel perfectly.

For the Caramel Sauce

Evaporated Milk (5 oz)
Thins the caramel while keeping it creamy and rich.
Caramels (14 oz)
The sweet, gooey heart of the filling.
Peanut Butter (1/2 cup)
Adds nutty richness and smooth texture to the caramel layer.

Tips and Tricks

Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
Let bars cool completely before cutting to help them set properly.
Use a hot knife for cutting if the caramel is sticking.
Microwave caramel mixture in short bursts if not using a double boiler.

Variations and Customizations

Replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter
Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty twist

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a plated dessert
Pair with caramel lattes for a cozy afternoon treat

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Refrigerator: Keep for up to 7 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving

Knock Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Knock Bars – A legendary triple-layer treat! Chewy chocolate chip cookie dough hugs a molten core of caramel-peanut butter bliss, baked to golden perfection. Sweet, salty, and utterly addictive.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 oz caramels (unwrapped)
5 oz evaporated milk
½ cup creamy peanut butterq

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.

4. Combine the Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly combined.

5. Bake the Bottom Layer

Press half the dough into the prepared pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until slightly golden.

6. Prepare the Caramel Filling

In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt:
- Caramels
- Evaporated milk
Stir until smooth.
Add peanut butter and mix until fully combined.

7. Assemble the Layers

Pour the caramel mixture over the partially baked cookie layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top, spreading gently.

8. Final Bake

Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

These bars are rich and sweet, so smaller portions go a long way.
Let the bars set overnight in the fridge for clean, firm slices.
Excellent for gifting or holiday dessert trays.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American