Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

There’s something utterly irresistible about the combination of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie bars topped with a rich, luscious salted caramel. These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that will have everyone swooning with each bite. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, these bars bring together the best of both worlds – chewy cookie goodness and silky caramel that melts in your mouth. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why This Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Stands Out

What sets these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars apart from the rest? It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. The base is a thick, chewy chocolate chip cookie, made even more indulgent with a generous helping of semi-sweet chocolate chips. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the salted caramel drizzled over the top, providing the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a delightful textural contrast – the soft cookie base paired with the smooth, gooey caramel. Each bite is a celebration of flavor that is simply unforgettable!

Your Shopping Guide

To whip up these delectable Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 10 ounces of caramels (unwrapped) – about 40 caramels
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt for topping

Make sure to grab quality ingredients for the best results, especially the chocolate and caramel, as they truly elevate the flavors of these cookie bars.

Setup & Equipment

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking pan – for perfectly sized bars
• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Electric mixer – for creaming butter and sugars
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing in the flour and chocolate chips
• Microwave-safe bowl – for melting caramels
• Parchment paper – for easier cleanup and removing bars

Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process!

Directions: Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cookie bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of salted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and ¾ cup granulated white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon Kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. The dough should be thick and sticky.

Step 7: Layer the Cookie Dough

Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create an even layer.

Step 8: Melt the Caramels

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 10 ounces of unwrapped caramels with one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.

Step 9: Add the Caramel Layer

Pour the melted caramel mixture over the cookie dough layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 10: Add Remaining Cookie Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to be perfect; some caramel will peek through, which is part of the charm!

Step 11: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 12: Cool and Top with Sea Salt

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flaked sea salt over the top for that perfect salty finish.

Step 13: Cut and Serve

Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

Spring to Winter: Ideas

These cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, and here are a few ideas on how to enjoy them year-round:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat at school or work.
• Bring them to potlucks or gatherings, where they’re sure to be a hit.
• Top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for an elegant dessert presentation.

Errors to Dodge

To ensure your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour – this can lead to tough bars.
• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Watch the baking time closely; overbaking can dry them out.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

To keep your cookie bars fresh and delicious:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze cut bars in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
• Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Common Questions

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to increase the salt in the recipe to maintain the flavor balance.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for equally delicious results.

What can I use instead of caramels?

If you can’t find caramels, you can use a homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche for a similar effect.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

More from the Kitchen

If you enjoyed these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you might also love:

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Fudgy Brownies
• Salted Caramel Cupcakes
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Bring It Home

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, marrying the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the rich, sweet allure of salted caramel. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to time and again. So preheat that oven and get ready to indulge in a batch of cookie bar bliss!