Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars

Name: Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 cups butter, softened; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 cup sugar; 6 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package (14 ounces) caramels; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips

I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love the new craze, salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup sugar
6 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°. Beat butter, sugars and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour, mixing well. Press 3 cups of dough onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. pan. Bake until set, 20-22 minutes.
Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt caramels with cream over low heat until smooth. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with salt, then chocolate chips. Drop remaining dough over top by teaspoonfuls. Bake until light golden brown, 30-35 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.