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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 190 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Indulge in these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that perfectly combine buttery cookie dough, rich caramel, and melty chocolate chips with a delightful sprinkle of sea salt. This easy-to-make dessert features a luscious caramel layer sandwiched between two layers of soft, chewy cookie dough, baked to golden perfection for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. Make the cookie dough base: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  4. Mix dry into wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in three batches, stirring only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently incorporate the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula or spoon.
  6. Layer the dough in pan: Divide the cookie dough into two equal halves. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
  7. Melt caramel mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the caramel bits (or unwrapped soft caramels) and sweetened condensed milk. Stir frequently until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Add caramel layer: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough base in the pan.
  9. Top with remaining dough and salt: Drop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel in small clumps, spreading them to cover. Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor.
  10. Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 26 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and has a light golden color.
  11. Cool and serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the foil or parchment. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use a metal baking pan for best heat distribution and baking results.
  • Coarse or flaky sea salt is ideal for topping, but coarse kosher salt can be substituted if needed.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 24 bars per recipe)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/salted-caramel-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars-recipe/