Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
There’s something undeniably comforting about cookie bars. They marry the soft, chewy goodness of cookies with the convenience of bars, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. And when you add salted caramel to the mix? Well, let’s just say you’re in for a decadent experience. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. With layers of gooey caramel and melty chocolate, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
The Upside of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie bar, only to discover a luscious layer of melted caramel hidden inside. The combination of sweet chocolate chips with the buttery richness of the cookie, all topped off with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. These bars are perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat after dinner. Plus, they’re easy to make and store beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounces of caramels, unwrapped
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Appliances & Accessories
- Oven: Preheat it to ensure even baking.
- Mixing Bowls: Use these for combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for these bars.
- Rubber Spatula: Great for folding in chocolate chips and scraping down the bowl.
- Microwave: Handy for melting caramels with sweetened condensed milk.
Method: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Pour the caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it gently to cover. Then, take the remaining cookie dough and drop spoonfuls over the caramel layer, creating a rustic top.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center may look slightly undercooked, but it will continue to set as it cools.
Step 9: Add Flaked Sea Salt
As soon as you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt over the top for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Make It Year-Round
- Seasonal Variations: Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist during the holidays.
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Flavorful Swaps: Experiment with different flavored chocolate chips such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate.
- Fruit Infusion: Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Overmixing the Dough: This can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; precision is key.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the bars too soon can lead to a gooey mess.
- Using Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to achieve a creamy texture.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are fully cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their freshness, you can also refrigerate them for longer storage. If you prefer them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. They can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge for a cool, sweet treat.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
What if I don’t have semisweet chocolate chips?
You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your personal preference.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and the center will look slightly undercooked. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit soft right out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience to be savored. The combination of rich chocolate, buttery cookie, and gooey caramel topped with a hint of sea salt creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to have a bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious treats you’ll ever make!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Pour the caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it gently to cover. Then, take the remaining cookie dough and drop spoonfuls over the caramel layer, creating a rustic top.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center may look slightly undercooked, but it will continue to set as it cools.
- As soon as you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt over the top for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the bars.
- Warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for a gooey treat.
