Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter (softened)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 4 cups flour
• 1 (14 ounces) bag caramels (unwrapped or 11 oz unwrapped Caramel Bits work great)
• 1/3 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl cream together butter, sugar, and powdered sugar. Add vanilla and beat until combined. Mix in the flour and combine until it forms a soft dough.

3. 3

   Press half of the dough in the bottom of a 9x13 dish and place the other half of the dough into the refrigerator. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the pan from the oven and melt the caramels, heavy cream and 1/2 tsp vanilla in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir together until smooth. Pour evenly over the hot crust. Lightly sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the crust. I didn't end up using the entire amount, just lightly sprinkle evenly on top. You don't want them too salty.

5. 5

   Take the remaining dough out of the refrigerator and crumble over the top of the caramel. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is bubbly and the top is firm. Let them cool completely before cutting.