Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best of two worlds: rich chocolate chip cookies and luscious caramel, all topped with a touch of flaky sea salt. Perfectly soft and chewy, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs (large)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Carefully layer the caramel sauce over the dough, then top with the remaining cookie dough, spreading it out gently.
- Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains soft and slightly gooey.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to allow the caramel to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
- Use a thick caramel sauce or homemade caramel for the best gooey texture and rich flavor.
- For extra indulgence, swirl some caramel into the cookie dough before layering for a marbled effect.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
- If you prefer less salt, reduce the flaky sea salt topping to just a pinch.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to improve texture if desired.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that gooey softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
What kind of caramel sauce works best?
A thick, rich caramel sauce works best to maintain the gooey texture in the bars. Store-bought caramel sauce is fine, but homemade or high-quality options make it even better.
PrintGooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars feature a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with soft, chewy cookie layers and a luscious caramel filling. Topped with flaky sea salt, they are an irresistible treat ideal for dessert or snack time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins & Topping
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough ensuring even distribution.
- Layer Dough and Caramel: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the thick caramel sauce over the dough and then dollop the remaining cookie dough on top, spreading gently to cover the caramel layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and golden but the center remains soft and slightly gooey.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt and Cool: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use thick caramel sauce for a rich and gooey middle layer; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for better creaming and texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain soft to maintain gooeyness.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars after cooling to firm up the caramel layer.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor by adding a subtle crunch and a burst of saltiness.
Keywords: Salted caramel, chocolate chip, cookie bars, gooey dessert, caramel cookie bars, sweet and salty, easy dessert
