Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of gooey, sweet, and slightly salty treats, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. I discovered this gem a while back and honestly, it’s become a fast favorite in my house. These bars are like the best parts of a chocolate chip cookie and caramel gooeyness all baked into one gorgeous pan dessert. Stick around and I’ll walk you through the whole process so your kitchen smells incredible and your taste buds do a happy dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe really comes from simple, high-quality ingredients that blend so well. To make these bars pop, I always pick good butter and rich caramel bits—because those flavors stand out.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps you get that fluffy batter—don’t skip softening it first!
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that makes the bars rich and chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookie bars a nice balance of sweetness and structure.
• Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together and keeps the texture tender.
• Vanilla Extract: That warm, inviting flavor that enhances every bite.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and making the flavors sing.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise perfectly without becoming cakey.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Or chunks—depending on your texture preference, but I love big chunks for gooey pockets of chocolate.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: It melts down into a luscious, creamy caramel layer that’s just irresistible.
• Caramel Bits or Soft Caramels: These melt beautifully into a smooth layer; if you use soft caramels, unwrap them first so they flow evenly.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top, it gives those special salty crunch moments that turn good bars into unforgettable ones.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to make it more decadent or accommodate dietary needs, you can tweak it without any fuss.

• Add Nuts: I sometimes throw in toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch—my family goes crazy for this twist.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips to deepen the chocolate flavor and add a slight bitterness that cuts through the caramel sweetness.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, and you’re good to go.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and caramel alternatives; keep in mind caramel might be tricky, but there are vegan options available.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready and Heat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper—this helps you lift the bars right out when they’re done. Give the liner a quick spritz with non-stick spray so nothing sticks. I like using foil because it’s sturdy and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat your softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This part is key! I spend about 3-4 minutes here because it ensures your bars are soft and tender instead of dense. See the mix turn almost pale? That’s when it’s ready.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then pour in the vanilla extract. This gives your cookie bars that warm, comforting flavor that makes everyone smile.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Then add the dry ingredients slowly, in three batches, to your wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until the flour disappears—you want to avoid overmixing because that can make the bars tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Grab your spatula and fold in those chocolate chips. I love folding by hand here because it helps distribute the chips evenly without turning the dough too dense.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Divide your cookie dough in half. Press half of it into the bottom of your prepared pan in one smooth, even layer. The goal here is to build a sturdy base for your caramel layer, so don’t rush it. Then, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together caramel bits and the sweetened condensed milk. Stir often—this is important to avoid burning and to get a smooth texture.

Once melted and silky, pour this luscious caramel mixture evenly over the dough base. Finally, drop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel in small clusters, leaving little gaps—it bakes in beautifully and creates those nuggets of cookie that everyone loves.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Bake

Sprinkle flaky sea salt generously on top—this is where salty meets sweet for perfection. Bake for about 26-30 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and just set; they’ll still feel a little soft but will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Completely Before Serving

I can’t stress enough—cool these bars completely in the pan before slicing. I learned this the hard way once; cutting them too soon made a gooey mess. Once cooled, use the foil or parchment edges to lift the bars out easily and slice into squares.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these bars with just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—the salt flakes give a slight crunch that contrasts the sweet, gooey caramel perfectly. Sometimes I drizzle a little melted chocolate or add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty touch when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

These bars are so rich and satisfying that I enjoy them best with a simple side like a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For parties, I’ve served them alongside vanilla ice cream, which takes the indulgence up a notch.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I like to cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh berries or nuts scattered around. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a delightful homemade gift that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay soft and delicious. If I want to keep them longer, I make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

These cookie bars freeze beautifully. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready for a treat, I just thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

When reheating, especially from frozen, I pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This melts the chocolate a bit and softens the caramel, making each bite taste just like when they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe has become one of those special treats I’m always excited to make—whether it’s for family movie night or a last-minute gift. I love how you get the chewiness of cookies with pockets of sticky caramel and chocolate in every bite, plus that salty finish that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try—you won’t regret it, and soon enough, your friends and family will be begging for this recipe too!

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