Samoa Cookie Bars

INGREDIENTS

1 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2

cup sugar

2 cups

all-purpose flour

1/4

teaspoon baking powder

1/2

teaspoon salt

2 tbsp

milk

1/2

teaspoon vanilla extract

4 oz

bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

11 1/2

oz. soft caramels (store bought or

homemade

)

2 tbsp

plus 1½ tsp. milk

coarse salt

1/2 tsp

coconut extract

2 1/4 cups

sweetened shredded coconut, lightly toasted

3 oz

bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped