Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best of two beloved desserts—chewy cookie dough and gooey caramel. With rich chocolate chunks throughout and a smooth caramel layer, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate chunks
• 11 oz soft caramels or caramel bits
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the cookie bars.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate chunks evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
8. Step 8: Melt the soft caramels with the heavy cream in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is smooth. Pour this caramel layer over the dough in the pan.
9. Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, then gently spread to cover as much of the caramel as possible.
10. Step 10: Bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
11. Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use soft caramels combined with heavy cream to create a gooey, smooth caramel layer that spreads easily.
• For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel before baking.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.

Storage

Store the cookie bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy warmed-up bars, microwave briefly until soft and gooey, replicating their fresh-from-the-oven texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought caramel sauce, but mixing soft caramels with heavy cream provides a thicker, more luscious layer that holds better in the bars.

How do I prevent the cookie bars from being too soft?

Make sure to bake the bars until the top is golden and set. Letting them cool completely before slicing ensures they firm up properly and hold their shape well.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 142 reviews

These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate and gooey caramel in a soft, chewy bar. Featuring a buttery cookie base loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks, topped with melted caramel swirled with cream, these bars are a decadent treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins & Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate chunks
• 11 oz soft caramels or caramel bits
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Fold in chocolate: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate chunks into the dough, ensuring an even distribution for rich chocolate bursts in every bar.
7. Press dough in pan: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
8. Prepare caramel topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the soft caramels along with the heavy cream until smooth and creamy, stirring occasionally to combine.
9. Add caramel layer: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the dough base in the baking dish.
10. Top with remaining dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, then gently spread or press to partially cover the caramel.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cookie bars are set.
12. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.

Notes

• Use soft caramels and mix with cream for a gooey and smooth caramel layer that melds nicely with the cookie bars.
• For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before adding the remaining dough.
• These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Warm bars briefly in the microwave before serving to recreate that just-baked, melty caramel experience.

Keywords: caramel chocolate chip bars, caramel cookie bars, chocolate chip dessert bars, easy bake caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert