GF Peanut Butter Cookie Candy Bars

 Author: Betty Crocker

Ingredients
Cookie Base
1 box Betty Crocker™ Gluten Free chocolate chip cookie mix
Butter, gluten-free vanilla and egg called for on cookie mix box

Filling
1/3 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons water
1 1/4 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla
Dash salt
3 1/2 cups gluten-free powdered sugar

Caramel Layer
1 bag (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups dry-roasted peanuts

Topping
1 bag (11.5 oz) milk chocolate chips (2 cups)

Directions
1.    Heat oven to 350°F. Make cookie dough as directed on box, using butter, vanilla and egg. In ungreased 13×9-inch pan, press dough evenly. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes.
2.    In large bowl, beat all filling ingredients except powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until well blended (filling will be thick). Press filling over cookie base.
3.    In medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramels and 2 tablespoons water uncovered on High 2 to 4 minutes, stirring twice, until caramels are melted. Stir in peanuts. Spread evenly over filling. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until caramel layer is firm.
4.    In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring once, until melted. Spread evenly over caramel layer. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store covered at room temperature.

Expert Tips
Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten free. Products and ingredient sources can change.