Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things sweet and salty, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. Picture the comforting chewiness of chocolate chip cookie dough combined with a luscious, creamy caramel layer, all crowned with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes the flavor to a new level. This dessert is pure joy in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in that much-needed moment of bliss. Whether for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just because you deserve a treat, these bars deliver a harmonious balance of rich, buttery, salty, and sweet that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of texture and flavor in your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. From the buttery base to the melty caramel, these staples bring together classic cookie vibes with a decadent twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy fat that creates the perfect texture for your cookie dough base.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness for flavor complexity.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a bit of crispness and helps with browning.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the bars a tender structure.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates sweetness and balances flavor throughout the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and chewiness in the cookie layers.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: Melty pockets of chocolate that give every bite a decadent surprise.
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: Creates the silky caramel sauce that’s pure indulgence.
• 11 ounces caramel bits or 10 ounces soft caramels, unwrapped: The heart of the salted caramel layer adding richness and gooey texture.
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste): Adds that iconic finishing touch that makes the caramel sing.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup and removal a breeze. Don’t forget to spray it with non-stick cooking spray so nothing sticks, ensuring your bars come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender texture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until everything is smoothly combined and ready for the next step.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed to give your bars consistent flavor and rise throughout.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in three batches, mixing on low speed just until it’s combined each time. This careful folding prevents overworking the dough, keeping your cookie bars tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough. Be careful to distribute them evenly for that perfect chocolaty melt in every bite.

Step 6: Form the Base Layer

Divide the dough in half. Press half of it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base will serve as the sturdy yet soft foundation for the glorious caramel topping.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan set to medium-low heat, combine the caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels with sweetened condensed milk. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and beautifully glossy. This silky caramel is going to take these bars to the next level.

Step 8: Assemble the Layers

Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cookie dough base, making sure it covers the entire surface. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough onto the caramel layer, creating charming little clumps scattered across the top. Finally, sprinkle on flaky sea salt for a perfect hit of salty contrast that complements the caramel beautifully.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the bars for 26 to 30 minutes, until the top dough layer is set and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them—you want a firm top but a soft, chewy center.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set up nicely. Use the foil or parchment to lift them out easily. Slice into about 24 servings and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can add a festive touch and enhance the flavors. Consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top for an extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea is also a wonderful companion for savoring every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, stack the bars on a beautiful cake stand or serve on individual plates with a caramel drizzle. You could even cut them into smaller bite-size squares for a neat dessert platter. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, simply microwave a bar for 10 to 15 seconds or place in a low-heated oven until warmed through. The caramel will be wonderfully gooey and the chocolate melty again.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a slightly more intense, richer flavor which pairs beautifully with the salty caramel layer. Feel free to swap it in based on your preference.

What if I don’t have caramel bits or soft caramels?

You can substitute with store-bought caramel sauce, but keep it thick enough to hold up as a layer. Homemade caramel from scratch is also a delicious option if you want to get fancy.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How thick should the cookie dough layers be?

Press the base layer evenly but not too thick—about half of your dough evenly spread in the pan is just right. The top layer is more like little clumps dropped unevenly to create contrast and interest in texture.

Why is flaky sea salt important for this recipe?

The flaky sea salt delivers a delicate crunch and a burst of salty flavor that highlights and balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. It’s the final step that elevates these bars beyond ordinary cookie bars.

Final Thoughts

Making the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, sweet hug from the inside out. With every chewy bite, the buttery cookie, creamy caramel, and melty chocolate combine perfectly alongside that little pop of salt to create something truly magical. Whether you bake them for special occasions or simply to brighten a regular day, these cookie bars will quickly become a favorite you want to share again and again.

Print