Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x

Description

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best of two indulgent treats: rich caramel and classic chocolate chip cookie dough. With a soft buttery base, gooey caramel center, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in a convenient, sliceable form.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 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 Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and generously spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bars don’t stick.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In an electric mixer bowl, beat the softened butter together with both light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, mixing well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Flour and Chocolate Chips: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Beat just until combined. Then fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  4. Form the Cookie Base: Press half of the cookie dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid base layer.
  5. Prepare Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped soft caramels. Place the pan over medium-low heat and stir continuously until the caramels fully melt and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the cookie dough base in the baking dish. Then, drop the remaining cookie dough in small teaspoon-sized clumps over the caramel layer, allowing some caramel to peek through.
  7. Bake: Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is just set but not overly firm.
  8. Finish and Cool: Upon removal from the oven, immediately sprinkle the bars with the flaked sea salt to enhance the flavor. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Serve and Store: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil edges. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For softer bars, do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey.
  • Use good quality caramels and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
  • Ensure the caramel mixture is smooth before pouring to avoid any lumps.
  • Flaked sea salt as a topping enhances the sweet-salty contrast.
  • You can refrigerate the bars to extend freshness up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: salted caramel, chocolate chip, cookie bars, dessert bars, caramel dessert, chocolate cookies, homemade cookie bars

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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