Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine rich caramel, melty chocolate chips, and a touch of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Easy to make and irresistibly soft, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser 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 large eggs
- 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 the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Step 6: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the dough layer, then spread the remaining dough on top to cover the caramel.
- Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft and gooey.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a thick, store-bought caramel sauce for ease, or make your own homemade caramel for extra richness.
- For an extra indulgent touch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough before baking.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- To make these bars vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use egg replacers.
Storage
Store these 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 or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should look set and golden, while the center remains slightly soft and gooey. They will firm up more as they cool.
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Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, featuring a perfect balance of rich caramel, melted chocolate chips, and a touch of flaky sea salt atop a soft, buttery cookie base. This easy-to-make dessert combines classic cookie flavors with a luscious caramel swirl for an irresistibly gooey treat ideal for sharing or enjoying any time.
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 and Toppings
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan, about 9×13 inches, with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Layer Dough and Caramel: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the thick caramel sauce over this layer, spreading it gently without touching the edges. Then, dollop or spread the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer to form the top layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set but the center remains soft and gooey. Insert a toothpick near the edge to check doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt and Cool: Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a contrasting crunch and flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares to prevent the caramel from running.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use a smaller baking pan or increase the dough amount slightly.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar by 2 tablespoons.
- Use good quality caramel sauce for the best gooey texture and flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cookie bars, salted caramel, chocolate chip, gooey dessert, easy cookie recipe
