Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces caramels; 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/4 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon coarse grain salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty with a comforting, chewy texture, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft chocolate chip cookie bars loaded with gooey caramel pockets that melt in your mouth with every bite, accented by just the right sprinkle of coarse salt to elevate all those rich flavors. It’s dessert magic in bar form, effortlessly bringing together the best elements of cookies and caramel into one irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thick, chunky light brown cookie dough mixed with large, dark brown chocolate chunks scattered throughout. The dough looks soft and sticky, with a wooden spoon partially buried on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small pieces of chocolate and a jar of brown sugar nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients, each chosen to create that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the luscious caramel and melty chocolate chips, every component works in tandem to give you soft, chewy cookie bars with a caramel surprise.

8 ounces caramels: Provides the rich, gooey caramel center that defines the bars.
1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Keeps the caramel smooth and luscious when melted.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the cookie base.
1 1/4 cups brown sugar: Gives that deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps ensure softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aromatic note.
1 egg, lightly beaten: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough providing structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep bars tender.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance acidity for perfect rise and texture.
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors in the dough.
1 cup chocolate chips: For pockets of melty chocolate that play beautifully against the caramel.
1/2 teaspoon coarse grain salt (optional): Sprinkling this on top adds a delightful contrast that makes every bite pop.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

Start by melting the caramels with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until smooth and completely combined. Let this luscious mixture cool slightly while you prepare the cookie dough. This step ensures that your caramel will be just the right consistency to pour over the cookie base.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create that tender texture in the finished bars. Then mix in the vanilla extract if you’re using it, followed by the lightly beaten egg to bind everything together.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and the 1/4 teaspoon of coarse salt. This dry mix will add the perfect lift and tenderness to your cookie bars.

Step 4: Mix Dough and Chocolate Chips

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined for a soft dough. Then fold in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed, ensuring there’s chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Press half of your cookie dough firmly into the bottom of a greased 8-inch square baking pan to form the first layer. Pour your cooled caramel over the dough and sprinkle the optional coarse grain salt on top, enhancing the salty-sweet contrast. Then, gently press the remaining dough over the caramel layer. This can be a bit tricky — breaking the dough into smaller pieces and flattening them with your hands before pressing works best. Don’t worry if some caramel peeks through; those little pockets of caramel are the magic of this bar.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your bars in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown and the caramel bubbles invitingly. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature—this step is important because the caramel will set as it cools, giving you those perfect chewy bars ready to slice and enjoy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows a square tray of caramel chocolate chip bars cut into nine large square pieces in the center and surrounded by smaller rectangular pieces on a wooden board. The bars have a cracked golden-brown top layer with dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. Inside, a rich caramel layer is visible, contrasting with the warm brown dough. Around the bars, there are scattered whole chocolate chips and individually wrapped caramel cubes. A large knife with a black handle lies on the right side of the board. The scene is bright and detailed, capturing the moist texture and glossy caramel inside the bars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can truly accentuate the salted caramel flavors. For a festive touch, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make these bars extra tempting on the plate.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte also makes a fantastic companion to these sweet, salty bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chocolate chips and caramel sauce for dipping. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and skewer them on toothpicks to create easy-to-eat dessert bites that are perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will keep them soft and chewy, preserving the delightful gooey caramel pockets.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to two months and thaw beautifully without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm and melty, reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that gooey caramel feeling and softly warmed chocolate that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel can add a wonderful depth of flavor. Just make sure it’s soft and pourable enough when melted with the cream to layer smoothly over the cookie base.

What if I don’t have coarse salt? Can I skip it?

You can skip the coarse salt if needed, but the sprinkle on top really enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding a delightful crunch. If coarse salt isn’t available, a tiny pinch of fine sea salt can also work.

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes! Chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips can be great substitutes. Just keep the quantity the same for the best balance.

How thick will the bars be if I use a 9×13 inch pan?

Using a 9×13 inch baking dish will yield thinner cookie bars, which might bake faster and result in a chewier texture. Make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them.

Can I double this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe?

Definitely! Doubling the recipe works well—just use a larger pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s perfect for when you want to share these delicious bars at a big gathering.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that effortlessly impresses and satisfies any sweet craving. With the perfect combination of soft cookie dough, luscious caramel, and melty chocolate, these bars will quickly become a go-to treat for your family and friends. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—I promise it won’t last long once everyone tastes that salty, sweet, dreamy caramel goodness!