Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery cookie base with a rich, gooey caramel layer for a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make and sure to delight caramel lovers with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the flour to the butter mixture and stir until combined. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it is lightly golden and set.
5. Step 5: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top of the caramel layer, then sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture when creaming.
• Try using fleur de sel instead of sea salt for a delicate salty crunch.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the crumble topping.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the caramel before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?

Yes, you can substitute with store-bought caramel sauce. Use about ¾ cup of caramel sauce and heat it gently with the heavy cream until smooth, then proceed as directed.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Melting the caramel gently over low heat with heavy cream helps keep it smooth and pourable. Avoid high heat to prevent the caramel from burning or becoming too thick.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a deliciously buttery dessert featuring a crisp cookie crust topped with smooth, creamy caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these bars are simple to make and ideal for sharing at any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Topping

• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually, approx. 11 oz)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
3. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until fully combined into a dough.
4. Form the Crust: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer for your bars.
5. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color and is set but not browned too deeply.
6. Melt the Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the soft caramel candies with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the Caramel Layer: Once the crust is baked, immediately pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
8. Add Remaining Dough and Sea Salt: Crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the caramel layer to create a crumb topping, then sprinkle sea salt evenly on top for a perfect sweet and salty finish.
9. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares to ensure clean slices and the caramel layers hold together well.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Use a toothpick to check the crust doneness; it should come out mostly clean when golden.
• You can substitute sea salt with flaky finishing salt for added texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For a richer flavor, use European-style butter with higher fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, easy caramel bars, caramel dessert, cookie bars, sweet and salty dessert