There’s something truly magical about combining sweet and salty flavors, especially when it comes to dessert. Salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars take the best of both worlds, offering a delightful texture and flavor experience. Picture decadent chocolatey goodness balanced by a rich, buttery caramel infused with a pinch of salt; it’s the kind of treat that brings smiles and satisfied sighs with every bite. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Dive into this tempting recipe and discover a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Why We Love This Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars combine several beloved elements that make them irresistible. The gooey chocolate chips melt in your mouth, while the buttery cookie base provides a comforting texture. The addition of salted caramel brings a luxurious depth and a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the cookie and chocolate, creating a perfect balance that excites your taste buds. These bars are also incredibly versatile, making them great for various occasions, from casual family treats to elegant dessert platters. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and easily transport them, ensuring you have a delicious dessert ready whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Spread half of the cookie dough in the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top to create an even layer.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the first layer of cookie dough, spreading it evenly but leaving some gaps for the cookie dough to rise.
Take the remaining cookie dough and drop it by spoonfuls over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to gently spread the dough to cover as much of the caramel sauce as possible, but don’t worry if some caramel peeks through.
Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the top for that delicious salty kick.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (the center can be slightly gooey due to the caramel).
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Then let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars shine best when served slightly warm, allowing the chocolate to remain gooey and the caramel to be dreamy. You can serve them as is, which is delightful, or elevate the experience by adding a scoop of ice cream on top. Vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors and contrasts the warm bars’ softness. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the ice cream and sprinkle some extra flaky sea salt for that extra crunch and flavor burst. These bars can also serve as a delicious centerpiece for gatherings or parties. Arrange them on a decorative platter and offer them alongside fresh berries or whipped cream to impress guests with a simple yet elegant dessert option.
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
To achieve the best salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars, consider a few expert tips. First, help your cookies achieve that perfectly chewy texture by not overmixing the dough; just mix until ingredients are blended to keep them soft. Using room temperature butter allows for better incorporation of air, leading to a fluffier end product. Additionally, choose high-quality chocolate chips and caramel sauce for the best flavor. Look for semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt well and have a rich taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven can vary, so check the bars a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. When the edges are golden and the center seems slightly underbaked, remove the pan for a delicious chewy treat.
How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
After baking and cooling your salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars, store them properly to maintain their deliciousness. Place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week this way. If you have leftovers and want to keep them even longer, freezing is an option! Cut the cooled bars into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This method allows you to enjoy these treats for several months. When ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Variations of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
While the classic salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars stand out on their own, there are several fun variations you can try to mix things up. For those who love nuts, adding a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts can introduce a delightful crunch and flavor. You might also consider experimenting with different types of chocolate; dark chocolate chips or a mix of white and milk chocolate can create exciting new flavor profiles. If you prefer a pumpkin twist, incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the dough during fall for a seasonal touch. Additionally, for a fun surprise, try layering in some cream cheese frosting between the cookie dough and caramel for an added richness. For a fruity version, consider topping your bars with dried cranberries or even fresh slices of banana before drizzling the caramel on top. These variations maintain the core essence of the dessert while exploring different tastes and textures that are sure to delight.
FAQ about Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
You may have some questions about making salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars, especially if it’s your first time. One common question is how to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and salty. The key lies in using a good quality salted caramel sauce. While the bars themselves are sweet, a sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavors and echoes the caramel’s saltiness. Another question often arises about whether to use homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. Homemade has a fresh flavor and richer profile, but a good store-bought option can save time without sacrificing taste. Lastly, many wonder how to tell when the bars are done. Look for a golden-brown edge and a soft, slightly gooey center. They will continue to set as they cool, offering the perfect chewy texture. Enjoy making your salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Room temperature for better incorporation.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips High-quality chocolate recommended.
For the caramel layer
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling To enhance saltiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and blend until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Assembly
- Spread half of the cookie dough in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top to create an even layer.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the first layer of cookie dough, spreading evenly but leaving some gaps.
- Add the remaining cookie dough by spoonfuls over the caramel layer, gently spreading it to cover most of the caramel.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack.
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