"The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they're super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa..."
INGREDIENTS
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1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
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1/3 cup baking cocoa
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup butter, melted
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CARAMEL LAYER:
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1 package (13 ounces) caramels
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3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
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1-1/2 cups lightly crushed pretzels
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PEANUT BUTTER LAYER:
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/4 cup butter, softened
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1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
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CHOCOLATE LAYER:
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2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
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3 tablespoons shortening