Description
Thick, chewy cookie bars layered with rich caramel, chocolate chips, and finished with flaky sea salt for a balanced, gooey treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
Filling & Topping
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to prevent toughness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough to distribute evenly.
- Layer Dough and Caramel: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the thick caramel sauce uniformly over this dough layer. Drop and gently spread the remaining cookie dough over the caramel, covering it as best as possible to create a layered effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are set and golden, and the center remains slightly soft to preserve the gooey texture.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt: Upon removal from the oven and while the bars are still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top for a contrast in flavor and texture.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for cleaner slicing. You may also serve warm for an extra gooey experience. For neat squares, refrigerate briefly before cutting with a sharp knife wiped between slices.
Notes
- For cleaner, bakery-style slices, chill the bars briefly before cutting.
- Use thick caramel sauce or soft caramels melted with cream to maintain gooey texture; avoid thin caramel syrups.
- Do not overbake; remove while the center is still soft to keep the gooey middle.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Flaky sea salt on top enhances flavor and texture—avoid substituting with fine salt for this step.
- Consider adding chopped nuts, espresso powder, or using dark chocolate chunks for variation without compromising texture.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, gooey cookie bars, caramel chocolate bars, salted caramel dessert, easy baked goods
