Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about the sweet scent of cookies wafting through the house, and these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are my go-to for instant nostalgia! With every gooey bite, you’re treated to a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and velvety caramel that will make your taste buds sing. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to whip up, but they also shine at any gathering—perfect for sharing with friends or indulging during a cozy night in. Plus, the customizable options mean you can swap in your favorite chocolate or nuts, allowing for a fun twist every time you bake. Curious how to create this delectable delight? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why are these cookie bars unforgettable? Irresistible, gooey goodness: These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars overflow with rich chocolate and creamy caramel, creating a treat that’s simply irresistible. Customizable options: Feel free to swap in different chocolate types or mix in nuts for a personal touch—your taste buds will thank you! Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Tasty and time-saving: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dessert that rivals any bakery treat. A nostalgic favorite: Each bite evokes memories of childhood, bringing warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. For added inspiration, you might want to check out my delightful Chocolate Croissant Bake or indulge in some scrumptious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars! Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ingredients For the Cookie Dough Salted Butter – Provides a rich flavor; swap for unsalted if preferred. Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep caramel taste; dark brown sugar gives a more robust flavor. Granulated White Sugar – Essential for sweetness and aids in browning. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients, ensuring a delightful texture. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for a richer taste. Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; use less if substituting with table salt. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, providing a soft, chewy texture. All-Purpose Flour – The main structure component; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if desired. For the Gooey Filling Sweetened Condensed Milk – Creates the ooey-gooey center; there’s no direct substitute for this magic ingredient. Soft Caramels – Vital for that luscious filling; homemade caramel can be a delicious alternative. For Mixing In Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and texture; mix it up with dark or milk chocolate for variation. Flaked Sea Salt – Enhances the flavor profile; regular salt is fine, but avoid using coarse salt. Now that you have all the ingredients for these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you’re just a few steps away from delicious, gooey heaven! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with aluminum foil for easy removal later, making sure to leave some overhang. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a perfect release for your delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of salted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The whipped texture creates the perfect base for your cookie bars, ensuring they’re rich and delectable. Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings Next, add in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on low until everything is combined smoothly—this will take approximately 1 minute. The addition of these ingredients will infuse the dough with flavor and bind it together, providing the foundation for your scrumptious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2½ cups of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to achieve a soft dough that still has some texture—this will take around 30 seconds. The flour blend is essential for achieving the chewy, thick consistency of the cookie bars. Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips Once your dough is mixed, gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating pockets of melty goodness in your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful chocolate burst in every bite. Step 6: Form the Base Layer Press ¾ of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base layer. Use your hands or the back of a spatula to ensure the dough is packed down tightly and evenly. This solid foundation is vital for holding the gooey salted caramel filling and will lead to deliciously thick bars once baked. Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Filling In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 10 ounces of soft caramels together with 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once melted, this luscious mixture will be the star filling in your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Step 8: Assemble the Cookie Bars Pour ¾ of the creamy caramel mixture over the pressed cookie dough base in the pan. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the top, creating a rustic look. This layering technique allows you to enjoy bursts of gooey caramel and cookie dough in each bite of your finished bars while adding a beautiful texture contrast. Step 9: Bake to Perfection Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly soft. Keep an eye on them— the bars will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, ensuring an irresistibly gooey texture in your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Step 10: Season with Sea Salt As soon as the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flaked sea salt generously over the top while they are still warm. This finishing touch will elevate the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating that perfect sweet and salty flavor we crave in a decadent treat. Step 11: Cool and Slice Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Once cooled, slice them into squares. Achieving clean, beautiful squares is easier once they are fully cooled, ensuring that you can showcase the gooey caramel center in your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and gooey. Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week; they’ll taste deliciously chilled and chewy. Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy their gooeyness again, warm the cookie bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm to revive that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Make Ahead Options These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; this helps improve the flavors as they meld together. The gooey caramel filling can also be made ahead—just refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply press the dough into the pan, pour in the caramel, and add the remaining dough before baking. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, gooey cookie bars that taste just as delightful as fresh-baked, with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Pre-Bake Base: Consider pre-baking the cookie base for 8-10 minutes to achieve a firmer texture and minimize sogginess. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely before slicing to ensure tidy cuts and minimize gooeyness in each piece. Layer Adjustment: If you prefer a sturdier base, use half the dough for the bottom layer—this adds stability to the Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Check Bake Time: Keep a close eye on bake time to avoid overcooking; the bars should be set on the edges but slightly soft in the center. Seal in Freshness: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them delightful and fresh. What to Serve with Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Indulge in the sweet, buttery bliss of these decadent cookie bars, perfectly paired with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that melts into the gooey chocolate, creating a luscious contrast in temperature and texture. Fresh-Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness, making every moment an indulgent afternoon treat. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over the bars adds an extra layer of decadence and richness in every bite. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream offers a creamy balance to the luscious bars and enhances the overall presentation. Fruit Compote: A tangy fruit compote, like raspberry or cherry, adds a fresh contrast that cuts through the sweetness, elevating your dessert experience. Milkshake: Blend up a thick, creamy milkshake for a fun twist, creating a nostalgic dessert experience that echoes childhood favorites. Sparkling Water: For something refreshing, a glass of sparkling water with lime adds a bubbly zest to cleanse the palate between bites. Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these cookie bars truly your own with flavorful twists and substitutions! Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and contrast to the gooey filling. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite! Chocolate Blend: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips to cater to different taste preferences. The combination creates a wonderfully rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Fruity Surprise: Incorporate 1 cup of dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a hint of tartness amidst the sweetness. This adds a unique depth and a pop of color to your bars. Tropical Twist: Stir in 1 cup of shredded coconut for a Caribbean vibe that complements the caramel beautifully. With each slice, you’ll enjoy a hint of paradise! Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne or cinnamon for a warm kick in the flavor profile. This subtle heat can elevate the sweetness and make your bars extra memorable. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing taste. Decadent Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cooled bars before slicing for an extra indulgent finishing touch that makes serving even more special. Boozy Boost: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel mixture for an adult twist that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Just remember to adjust the sweetness to balance the flavors! With these variations, you’ll be able to craft the perfect version of these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars every time, ensuring there’s something for everyone to love. For more sweet inspirations, don’t miss my delightful Biscoff Cookie Butter cinnamon rolls or the scrumptious Blueberry Cookie Bliss! Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select the best ingredients for my cookie bars? Absolutely! Use room temperature salted butter for a creamy texture, and opt for light brown sugar to enhance the caramel flavor. For eggs, large organic varieties are a great choice, ensuring optimal flavor and structure. When selecting chocolate chips, look for high-quality semi-sweet options, and feel free to mix dark or milk chocolate for a delicious twist! What’s the best way to store the cookie bars? The more the merrier! Store your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them even longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, as they’re best served warm and soft. Can I freeze the cookie bars, and how should I do it? Yes, you can certainly freeze these delicious bars! To freeze them, start by letting the bars cool completely. Then, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm briefly in the microwave—about 10-15 seconds will do the trick for that gooey consistency! What should I do if the cookie bars turn out too gooey? No worries—this can happen! If your bars are overly gooey, it might mean they weren’t baked long enough. Next time, aim for 25-30 minutes of baking until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft. Also, remember to let them cool completely in the pan before cutting; this allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to slice. Are there any dietary considerations for these cookie bars? Very! If you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, keep in mind the ingredients you use—be mindful of any nut allergies if you choose to add nuts. Always check the labels on your ingredients, especially if you’re using packaged items like chocolate chips or caramels, to ensure they meet dietary needs. Can I personalize the recipe with different flavors? Absolutely! You can make this recipe your own by mixing in a cup of chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in different types of chocolate or even adding a swirl of nut butter for a unique twist. The world is your oyster with these gooey bars! Irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Delight These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty, with gooey caramel and rich chocolate for an unforgettable dessert experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough1 cup Salted Butter Provides a rich flavor; swap for unsalted if preferred.1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds moisture and a deep caramel taste; dark brown sugar gives a more robust flavor.0.5 cup Granulated White Sugar Essential for sweetness and aids in browning.2 large Eggs Binds the ingredients, ensuring a delightful texture.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for a richer taste.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Balances sweetness; use less if substituting with table salt.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent, providing a soft, chewy texture.2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour The main structure component; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if desired.For the Gooey Filling14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk Creates the ooey-gooey center; there's no direct substitute for this magic ingredient.10 ounces Soft Caramels Vital for that luscious filling; homemade caramel can be a delicious alternative.For Mixing In2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Adds sweetness and texture; mix it up with dark or milk chocolate for variation.1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt Enhances the flavor profile; regular salt is fine, but avoid using coarse salt. Equipment 9x13 inch baking panMixing bowlElectric Mixersmall saucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add in eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix on low until combined.Gradually add baking soda and flour, mixing on low speed until just combined to keep the dough textured.Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.Press ¾ of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the soft caramels with sweetened condensed milk until smooth.Pour ¾ of the caramel mixture over the cookie dough base and drop spoonfuls of remaining dough on top.Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft. Let it cool.While warm, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesConsider pre-baking the cookie base for 8-10 minutes for firmer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
