Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet and salty essence of caramel. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home. They are easy to make and have a chewy texture that everyone loves. Plus, who can resist the combination of chocolate chips and caramel drizzled on top?

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour half of the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan.
7. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, followed by the remaining cookie batter, and then the rest of the caramel sauce.
8. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the cookie batter.
9. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Let cool before cutting into bars.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are best served warm or at room temperature. Cut them into squares and enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or milk.

How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

To store the bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Make sure to measure the flour correctly to avoid dry bars. Use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
• For a richer flavor, let the butter cool slightly before mixing it with sugars.
• Adjust the amount of caramel sauce to your taste. You can add more or less depending on how caramel-rich you want the bars.
• For a fun twist, add nuts or replace some chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.

Variation

You can customize these bars by adding different types of ingredients. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also substitute the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses. Use about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these cookie bars in advance and store them, as mentioned before. They stay delicious for several days!