CARAMEL NOUGAT COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Line 17x11x1 baking pan with parchment paper Cookie Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup butter, brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar until creamy.
• Add pudding mix, eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mix well.
• Blend together flour, soda and salt, gradually mix into sugar mixture.
• Mix in 1 1/3 cup butterscotch chips.
• Spread onto prepared pan.
• Bake 10-11 minutes, until light golden brown.
• To create a chewier cookie base, hold pan 2-3 inches above counter and allow to drop.
• Place on cooling rack, cool completely.
• Nougat Layer: In a medium heavy sauce pan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup sugar and evaporated milk.
• Stirring constantly, bring to boil, stirring constantly, cook 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Add marshmallow creme, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.
• Stir in peanuts.
• Spread on cooled cookie layer.
• Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Caramel Layer: In medium heavy saucepan, over low heat combine caramels and cream.
• Heat until blended, stirring constantly.
• Cool until just warm.
• Spread over nougat layer.
• Refrigerate 15 minutes.
• Chocolate Layer: In a medium micowave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, 1/3 cup butterscotch chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter for 1 minute at power level 7 (70%).
• Stir, heat another 30 seconds.
• Stir until smooth.
• Spread over caramel layer.
• Let chocolate layer harden before cutting into 1 inch squares.
• Store in airtight container in refrigerator.