Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. The combination of rich caramel, decadent chocolate, and a hint of salt creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please your taste buds. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself or looking to impress guests with a delicious dessert.

What sets these bars apart is the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The gooey caramel adds a luscious texture, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or pack them for a picnic, these cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Quick Facts

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Course: Dessert

Dietary Labels: Vegetarian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– The perfect balance of sweet caramel and rich chocolate

– Easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family

– Can be customized with additional mix-ins like nuts or coconut

Ingredients

For the cookie dough:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the salted caramel:

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon sea salt

Equipment Needed

– Mixing bowl

– 9×13 inch baking pan

– Saucepan

– Whisk

– Offset spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans, if using. Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.

6. In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color.

7. Add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.

8. Pour the caramel over the cookie dough in the pan. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.

9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Pro Tips for Success

– Be careful when making the caramel as it can become very hot.

– For a more indulgent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Substitutions & Variations

– For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with shredded coconut.

– Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the bars before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

– Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra chocolatey touch.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and caramel in advance and assemble the bars just before baking.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve the bars with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.

– Top with a scoop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.

– These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.

3. What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives to pecans in this recipe.

4. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

5. How long do they last?
Stored properly, these bars can last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy your dessert cravings. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies or looking to try something new, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

🍽️

Servings

⏱️

Prep time

20 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

25 minutes

📊

Calories

380 kcal

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. The perfect balance of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of salt creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please your taste buds.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.
In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color.
Add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
Pour the caramel over the cookie dough in the pan. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.