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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 79 reviews

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery chocolate chip cookie base layered with creamy homemade caramel and topped with flaked sea salt. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Easy to prepare and bake in one pan, they deliver a rich and satisfying treat for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 18 bars

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Caramel Filling

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 10 ounces soft caramels, unwrapped

Topping

  • 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Leave some parchment paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are combined.
  3. Add Flour and Chocolate Chips: On low speed, gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips gently.
  4. Form Base Layer: Press half of the prepared cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the lined baking pan, creating a solid cookie crust.
  5. Prepare Caramel Filling: In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped soft caramels. Stir frequently until the caramels fully melt and the mixture is smooth. Pour this warm caramel filling evenly over the cookie dough base.
  6. Add Top Cookie Layer: Using a spoon, drop the remaining cookie dough in small chunks over the caramel layer. The dough will not spread smoothly but should form bits scattered on top of the caramel.
  7. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie dough is set and lightly golden on the edges.
  8. Finish and Cool: Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the top of the bars with flaked sea salt. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 18 squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Ensure the caramel mixture is smooth before pouring to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Do not spread the top cookie dough; dropping it in chunks creates a pleasing texture contrast.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift the bars out without breaking.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top before sprinkling sea salt.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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