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Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/gooey-salted-caramel-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars-recipe/