Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Ingredients:

1 lb. salted butter (room temp)

1 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

2 tbs vanilla

4 c. AP flour

1 bag (14 oz) caramels

1/3 c. milk or cream

1 tbs coarse sea salt

Preheat over to 350. Lightly spray 13x9 pan with cooking spray.

For crust:

Combine butter, sugars, and vanilla in large bowl or stand mixer and mix until creamy.

Add flour and mix until soft, smooth dough forms.

Divide dough in half. Press one half evenly onto the bottom of the greased pan. Cover and chill other half in the refrigerator.

Prick with a fork and bake crust in the over for about 20 minutes, or until firm and just golden brown. Remove from oven to cool.

For filling:

Unwrap and place caramels in glass or other microwave safe bowl. Add cream. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 30 second intervals until mixture is smooth.

Spread evenly over the bottom crust.

Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel. (I use more than 1 tbs because I LOVE salty, sweet things.)

Crumble remaining half of the dough over the top of the caramel.

Return pan to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until filling is bubbly and topping is firm and golden.

Why I love this recipe: Make these and taste them. You'll understand why.

How I serve: These are super sweet and rich, so best eaten in small bites. (Hah.) Cut into 1" squares. And then eat 12...