Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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There is something utterly addictive about the rich combination of sweet and salty, gooey caramel and melty chocolate, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie base. This Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe brings together those dreamy layers in the most delightful way. Perfectly soft cookie bars bursting with pockets of luscious salted caramel and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips make for a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a special treat, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create texture, sweetness, and that irresistible caramel finish. Each component plays a key role, from the tender butter that gives richness to the flour that provides structure, to the caramel and sea salt that add layers of luxurious flavor.

• 1 cup butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the bars soft and tender.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that enhances depth.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture for a slight crispness around the edges.
• 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while contributing to the bars’ chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes to elevate the cookie flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise slightly and spread evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender foundation of the cookie bars.
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into delightful pockets of chocolate throughout.
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that creamy, luscious caramel filling.
• 10 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped): Melted with condensed milk for rich, gooey caramel ribbons.
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt: Sprinkled on top to give that stunning sweet-salty finish and a touch of crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to spray the paper lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Leaving the parchment edges extending over the sides will make it much easier to lift the cookie bars out later without crumbling—such a simple but game-changing step!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter together with the light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air for a soft and tender texture in your cookie bars. The texture here sets the stage for a moist and chewy outcome.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Leavening

Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl as you go—this ensures uniform mixing and that no ingredient is left behind. This mixture will become your cookie dough base, rich with flavor and ready for the flour.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Chocolate Chips

On a low speed, carefully add the all-purpose flour and blend until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make your bars tough. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to give the cookie bars those melty bursts of chocolate we all crave.

Step 5: Press Half the Dough into the Pan

Press half of your cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. This base layer will hold the luscious caramel filling and support the cookie dough chunks on top, so press gently but firmly to create an even layer.

Step 6: Prepare and Pour the Caramel Filling

In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped caramels. Stir frequently until the caramels melt completely and the mixture turns silky smooth. Pour this irresistible caramel mixture evenly over your cookie dough base, creating that gooey, irresistible filling layer.

Step 7: Drop Remaining Dough Over Caramel

Using a spoon, drop the rest of the cookie dough in little chunks all over the caramel. This rustic placement means the caramel will peek through in beautiful places, creating delightful pockets of caramel and dough in every bite.

Step 8: Bake and Finish with Sea Salt

Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until just set—watch closely so they stay soft and don’t overbake. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the bars with flakes of sea salt to amplify the flavors and provide that iconic sweet-and-salty harmony. Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out and slicing into squares.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finishing touch, but those sea salt flakes on top are really the star garnish that delivers the perfect balance of flavors. You can also drizzle a little extra caramel sauce or melted chocolate over the cut bars to make them look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a grown-up twist, try serving them alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa to complement the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a beautiful platter with decorative toothpicks. You could also sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars to create mini caramel cookie ice cream sandwiches—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for about 3 to 4 days, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy over several days without losing any of their fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars quite easily. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for an effortless future indulgence.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or heat them in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. Warming brings out the softness and melts the chocolate chips beautifully, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the additional salt it contributes. You may want to reduce or omit the extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the dough to keep the balance just right.

Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?

With some substitutions like vegan butter, dairy-free caramel, and dairy-free chocolate chips, you can make a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the original.

Why do I need to leave parchment paper hanging over the sides of the baking pan?

This simple trick is a total game-changer for easy removal. It allows you to neatly lift the entire batch out of the pan, avoiding any crumbling or breaking apart while cutting.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly more bitter contrast to the sweet caramel, which some people prefer for a more complex flavor profile.

What is the best way to cut the bars without them falling apart?

Make sure the bars are completely cooled, ideally at room temperature or even chilled briefly. Using a sharp knife and cutting with a gentle sawing motion helps keep the bars intact without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser that will quickly find a special spot in your baking repertoire. The gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and tender cookie dough combine to form a bar that’s just as comforting as it is decadent. So the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that feels homemade with love, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!

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