Description
These decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine a buttery cookie base, rich salted caramel filling, and gooey chocolate chips — a crowd-favorite dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
**For the Cookie Dough:**
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
**For the Salted Caramel Layer:**
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
1. Make the caramel layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully whisk in the butter until combined, then slowly pour in the cream. Whisk until smooth, remove from heat, and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth.
3. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
5. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the pan. Pour cooled caramel sauce evenly over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing. Sprinkle with flaky salt before serving.
Notes
• Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner edges.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze up to 3 months; reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked gooeyness.
• Substitute store-bought dulce de leche for the caramel layer if you’re short on time.
• Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or dark chocolate chunks for texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 65