Go Back
Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cookies & Cream Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars photo

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies & Cream Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars

These bars combine rich peanut butter cups with crunchy popcorn and creamy caramel—a sweet treat perfect for any occasion!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 sticks softened butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 10-12 Reese's peanut butter cups chopped
For the Salted Caramel:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 stick butter
  • 3/4 cup cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Popcorn Topping:
  • 5 cups popped popcorn
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips
  • flaked sea salt for sprinkling
  • melted chocolate optional drizzle

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Baking Pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Method:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside.
  2. Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars - In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla - Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Step 4: Combine Mixtures - Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped 10-12 Reese's peanut butter cups.
  5. Step 5: Bake the Cookie Layer - Spread the cookie dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
  6. Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce - In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then add 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, 3/4 cup cream, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Stir until it simmers for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  7. Step 7: Prepare the Popcorn - In a large bowl, combine 5 cups popped popcorn with 1/4 cup peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips. Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the popcorn and mix gently until coated.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the Bars - Spread the popcorn mixture over the cooled cookie base. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with flaked sea salt.
  9. Step 9: Chill and Set - Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Let the cookie layer cool completely before adding popcorn to prevent sogginess.
  • Stir constantly when making caramel to avoid burning.
  • Use fresh popcorn for the best crunch; stale won't work.
  • Adjust flaked sea salt to balance sweetness according to taste.