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Caramel Corn Bars

These Caramel Corn Bars feature a chewy marshmallow and popcorn topping over a crunchy cookie base, perfect for parties and events.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 1 roll refrigerated chocolate chip cookies Pressed evenly into the pan for a consistent base.
Marshmallow Layer
  • 3.5 cups miniature marshmallows Sprinkled on top of the cookie layer.
Popcorn Mixture
  • 1 bag butter-flavor microwave popcorn, popped Ensure it's fully popped.
  • 2/3 cup light corn syrup Combine with other ingredients for the binder.
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine Melted with peanut butter chips.
  • 1 bag peanut butter chips Melted for binding the popcorn.
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Drizzled over the cooled bars.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Press cookie dough into the bottom of a square baking pan (8"x8" or 9"x9").
  2. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the surface looks dry and starts turning golden brown.
  3. Start melting corn syrup, butter, and peanut butter chips over medium heat.
  4. Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle marshmallows on top of the cookie layer.
  5. Put the pan back in the oven for 5 minutes until the marshmallows puff up.
  6. Add popped popcorn to the warm, melted peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined.
  7. Press the popcorn mixture onto the marshmallow layer.
  8. Drizzle melted semisweet chocolate chips over the top.
  9. Cool for several hours before cutting and serving.
Serving
  1. Cut bars into squares or rectangles after they are fully chilled.
  2. Serve at room temperature so the chocolate drizzle is firm but the interior remains slightly tender.
Storage Tips
  1. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  2. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from softening. They will last 5–7 days chilled.
  3. For longer storage, freeze bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then stack with parchment between layers in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Notes

Use refrigerated chocolate chip cookies for easier assembly. Watch the oven closely to avoid overbaking.