I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday evening. My kids were bouncing off the walls, dinner was a blur, and frankly, I just needed something to look forward to. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of something truly special – something that promised both comfort and an explosion of flavor.
I dug out my mixing bowls, knowing a craving for sweet and salty goodness would soon be satisfied. I embarked on making my now-famous Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These weren’t just any cookie bars; they were a revelation.
Imagine the classic chewiness of a chocolate chip cookie, but elevated with pockets of gooey, rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Every bite of these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars felt like a reward, transforming an ordinary weeknight into a moment of pure bliss. From that moment on, they became a staple, ready to tackle any sweet tooth emergency or simply bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You truly need these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in your life. First off, they are incredibly easy to make. Forget scooping individual cookies; these bars come together quickly in one pan, saving you precious time and effort.
Beyond convenience, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. You get the familiar, comforting taste of a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, then a delightful surprise of soft, chewy caramel in every bite. That essential sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the entire experience, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and salty that keeps you reaching for more.
These chocolate chip caramel bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a cozy night in. They offer all the deliciousness of your favorite cookie in an even more convenient and delightful bar form. You will appreciate their versatility and simple preparation.
Get ready to bake some serious happiness with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these amazing Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars requires straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Always gather everything before you begin. This helps streamline your baking process.
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of milk and semi-sweet)
* 14 ounces soft caramel candies, unwrapped (about 40-50 individual caramels) or 1 cup pre-made caramel sauce
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream (if using unwrapped caramels)
* ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Substitutions & Variations
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. You can easily make these delicious bars your own.
* Flour Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
* Chocolate Choices: Mix up your chocolate chips! Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor, white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or even chopped chocolate bars for larger melty pools.
Peanut butter chips also make a fantastic addition to these chocolate chip caramel bars.
* Caramel Options: While soft caramel candies melt beautifully, you can also use a good quality store-bought caramel sauce (about 1 cup) for convenience. If using sauce, you might want to chill it slightly before spreading to prevent it from soaking too much into the dough.
For homemade caramel, ensure it’s thick enough to spread but still pliable.
* Nutty Add-ins: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor. They complement the caramel wonderfully.
* Extract Enhancements: Replace ½ teaspoon of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle nutty note, or a touch of coffee extract to deepen the chocolate flavor in your cookie bars.
* Sweet & Salty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and saltiness, crush ½ cup of pretzels and sprinkle them over the caramel layer before adding the remaining dough. This creates amazing sweet and salty cookie bars.
* Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute (like Earth Balance sticks) and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes). Ensure your chocolate chips and caramel are dairy-free.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are wonderfully adaptable. For those looking to explore even more delicious cookie options, check out Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. You will create irresistible chocolate chip caramel bars with ease.
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents in your cookie bar dough.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look well combined and smooth, creating the base for your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You now have a fantastic base for your salted caramel dessert.
7. Layer the Dough (Bottom): Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
8. Melt the Caramels: If using soft caramel candies, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
This typically takes 1-2 minutes. If using pre-made caramel sauce, skip this step.
9. Add Caramel Layer: Pour or spread the melted caramel evenly over the cookie dough layer in the pan. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the caramel from seeping out too much during baking.
10. Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining one-third of the cookie dough over the caramel layer. Don’t worry about covering it perfectly; uneven patches add character and allow the caramel to peek through.
11. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The caramel might still be bubbly. Avoid overbaking; the bars will continue to set as they cool.
These delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are almost ready!
12. Cool and Finish: Remove the pan from the oven.
Immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt generously over the top of the hot cookie bars. This ensures the salt adheres well. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them.
Cooling is crucial for clean slices and for the caramel to set properly.
13. Slice and Serve: Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars from the pan.
Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade cookie bars!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars every time is easier with a few expert tips. These simple tricks ensure your chocolate chip caramel bars turn out gooey, chewy, and utterly delicious.
* Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, crumbly bars. Precision helps create the best cookie bars.
* Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars rather than soft, chewy ones.
* Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened – not melted.
It should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape. This creates the light and fluffy texture when creamed with the sugars.
* Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality chocolate chips and real vanilla extract.
These small upgrades make a significant difference in the overall flavor of your sweet and salty cookie bars.
* Do Not Overbake: The edges of your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars should be golden brown, and the center should look set but still slightly soft. They will continue to bake and firm up as they cool.
An overbaked bar will be dry and hard.
* Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most important tip! Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are warm.
The caramel needs ample time to cool and set, which can take several hours (or even chilling in the fridge). Cutting too early will result in a gooey mess. Patience yields perfect, clean slices of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
* Flaky Sea Salt: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt! Sprinkle it immediately after taking the bars out of the oven. The salt provides that essential contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel, enhancing all the flavors.
* Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper overhang makes removing the entire slab of chocolate chip caramel bars incredibly easy. It prevents sticking and allows for neat cutting.
Achieving perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars every time is easier with a few expert tips. To master another delightful treat, see our guide on S’mores Cookie Bars for more fun recipes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. You want to enjoy these amazing cookie bars for days to come.
* Room Temperature: Store cooled Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
* Refrigerator: For extended freshness, you can store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The caramel will firm up considerably when chilled, which some people prefer.
* Freezing: These chocolate chip caramel bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* Thawing: Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
* Reheating: If you like your bars warm and gooey, you can gently reheat them.
* Microwave: Pop an individual bar in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, or until the chocolate and caramel are slightly melted and warm.
* Oven: Place the bars on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5-10 minutes. This works great for a larger batch or if you want a slightly crispier edge.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are incredibly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. These chocolate chip caramel bars make a versatile dessert.
* A Scoop of Ice Cream: A classic pairing! Vanilla bean ice cream is always a winner, but salted caramel, coffee, or even a good quality chocolate ice cream would be phenomenal alongside these cookie bars. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey bar.
* Fresh Brewed Coffee or Tea: For a perfect afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert, a cup of hot coffee or a warm cup of herbal tea complements the richness of the bars. The bitterness of coffee can balance the sweetness perfectly.
* A Cold Glass of Milk: Sometimes, the simplest pairings are the best.
A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential companion to any chocolate chip cookie, and these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are no exception.
* Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the dense and chewy bars. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the cream adds an extra touch.
* Fresh Fruit: To cut through the richness, offer a side of fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries) or sliced bananas. The tartness and freshness of the fruit can be a welcome addition to these decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
* A Drizzle of Sauce: If you want to go all out, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce or even a touch of chocolate ganache can make these sweet and salty cookie bars feel even more special.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are incredibly satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. For an exceptional gooey experience, consider serving them alongside Knock You Naked Bars.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel for these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel tastes fantastic in these bars. Just ensure your caramel is thick enough to spread but still soft and pliable.
If it’s too thin, it might soak into the bottom cookie layer. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading it over the dough.
How do I prevent the caramel from being too hard after baking?
The key is not to overbake the bars. Overbaking can cause the caramel to harden. Also, make sure to use soft, chewy caramels if using candies.
If your caramel sauce tends to firm up too much, adding a tablespoon of heavy cream to it before baking can help keep it softer. These chocolate chip caramel bars should always have a gooey caramel center.
Can I make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake them completely and store them at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Why are my cookie bars crumbly?
Crumbly bars often result from using too much flour or overmixing the dough. Ensure you measure your flour correctly (spoon and level!) and mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overbaking can also dry out the bars and make them crumbly.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
The secret to clean slices is to let the bars cool completely, preferably for several hours or even chilling them in the refrigerator. Use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) for each cut. Wiping the knife clean between slices also helps.
Can I use a different size baking pan?
You can, but baking time will vary. If you use a smaller pan (e.g., 8×8 inch), the bars will be thicker and require more baking time. A larger pan (e.g., 10×15 inch jelly roll pan) will result in thinner bars and a shorter baking time. Always adjust accordingly and watch for golden edges and a set center when making these cookie bars.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful variation of the classic chocolate chip cookie, incorporating layers of rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. This combination creates a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness and savory notes, making them a popular dessert choice among cookie lovers; learn more about cookie variations in this article on Cookies.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
*Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on common ingredients and assumes 24 servings per 9×13 inch pan. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a rich treat.*
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300-350 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10-12g |
| Cholesterol | ~40-50mg |
| Sodium | ~150-200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~40-50g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1-2g |
| Total Sugars | ~30-40g |
| Protein | ~3-4g |
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of chewy chocolate chip cookies with gooey caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for any sweet tooth emergency, they promise comfort and an explosion of flavor all in one easy-to-make bar form.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
¾ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
2 Large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
14 ounces Soft Caramel Candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
½ teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined
- Fold in the chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough
- Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pa
- Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth
- Pour or spread the melted caramel evenly over the cookie dough layer
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Let cool completely before slicing
Notes
Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for clean slices.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg