Indulge in the irresistible combination of salted caramel and chocolate with these delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The rich flavors of caramel and chocolate combine perfectly in every bite.
- With a quick prep time, these bars are ideal for busy schedules or last-minute dessert needs.
- These bars are great for meal prep and can be stored for several days, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- Light brown sugar provides a caramel-like flavor and chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the bars hold their shape.
- Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Baking soda helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
- All-purpose flour is the base of the bars, providing structure.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks add gooey chocolate goodness.
- The caramel layer is made with sweetened condensed milk, caramel bits, and flaky sea salt for a decadent topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the cookie dough in the prepared pan and press down evenly.
- Pour the caramel layer over the cookie dough and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake until golden brown and set, then cool before slicing into bars.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more gooey caramel layer, use soft caramels instead of caramel bits.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. They also pair well with a hot cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes until gooey and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, but remember to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Can I freeze these bars for later?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- How can I make the caramel layer thicker?
- Increase the amount of caramel bits or soft caramels in the recipe to achieve a thicker layer.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate in these bars?
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Conclusion:
Give in to your sweet cravings with these decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Try this recipe today and share your feedback with us!
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of salted caramel and chocolate with these decadent cookie bars. A soft and chewy cookie base loaded with chocolate chips, topped with a rich caramel layer and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Caramel Layer:
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 11 ounces caramel bits, or 10 ounces soft caramels, unwrapped
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie layer: Cream together butter and sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and chocolate chips, then press into a pan.
- Make the caramel layer: Heat condensed milk and caramels until smooth, then pour over the cookie base.
- Bake: Sprinkle with sea salt and bake until golden brown. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts or drizzling with more chocolate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg