Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert that combines soft, buttery cookie dough with gooey caramel and melted chocolate chips. I love how the sweet caramel balances perfectly with the hint of sea salt, creating a dessert bar that feels both comforting and decadent. These bars are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or whenever I crave a homemade sweet treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce
Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, I mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
I add the eggs and vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
I fold the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Then I spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.
I drizzle the caramel sauce over the dough and gently swirl it across the surface.
I drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer and lightly press them down to cover most of the caramel.
Next I sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the top.
I bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the bars are golden brown and set while remaining slightly gooey in the center.
I allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per bar
Variations
I sometimes use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
I like adding chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Occasionally I mix caramel bits into the dough for even more caramel flavor.
I enjoy using salted caramel sauce for a stronger sweet-and-salty contrast.
I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decorative finish.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I can also freeze individual bars for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly and storing them in a freezer-safe container.
When I want to enjoy them warm, I reheat a bar in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds until the chocolate and caramel become soft and gooey again.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare them a day in advance because the flavors continue to develop as they rest.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, I use store-bought caramel sauce frequently, and it works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
I look for golden brown edges and a center that is set but still slightly soft for the best texture.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Yes, I freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
I like using semi-sweet chocolate chips because they balance the sweetness of the caramel, but milk or dark chocolate chips also work well.
Conclusion
I find these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars impossible to resist thanks to their buttery cookie base, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate flavor. The sprinkle of sea salt brings everything together beautifully, creating a dessert that feels special while remaining easy to make. Whether I serve them at a gathering or enjoy one with a cup of coffee, these bars always disappear quickly.
📖 Recipe:
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are rich, buttery dessert bars layered with gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips. A sprinkle of sea salt creates the perfect sweet-and-salty finish in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce
Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the dough and gently spread or swirl it across the surface.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer and lightly press down to cover most of the caramel.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and set with a slightly gooey center.
- Cool completely, then lift from the pan and slice into 16 bars.
Notes
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Mix caramel bits into the dough for additional caramel flavor.
Salted caramel sauce can be used for a stronger sweet-and-salty contrast.
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for decoration.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
