These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a heavenly treat that combines chewy cookie dough, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate in every bite. The sprinkle of sea salt on top balances the sweetness and adds that irresistible salted caramel flavor that I can’t get enough of.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of rich, sweet, and salty. The soft cookie layers pair beautifully with the silky caramel and chocolate, creating an indulgent texture that melts in my mouth. These bars are great for sharing at gatherings, packing in lunch boxes, or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Plus, they’re simple to make and look like something straight from a bakery.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) For the cookie dough:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Press about half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt the caramel candies and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add the sea salt and stir well.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough base.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, spreading gently to cover as much as possible.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Use brown butter instead of regular butter for a deep, nutty taste.
Try layering in a few tablespoons of peanut butter or Nutella with the caramel for a twist.
For a holiday feel, mix in white chocolate chips and drizzle extra caramel on top after baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm, I refrigerate them to keep the caramel firm. Before serving, I let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
To freeze, I cut the cooled bars into squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They thaw perfectly at room temperature within an hour.
FAQs
Why are my bars too gooey?
If the bars are too gooey, they might need a few more minutes in the oven. The caramel will set as it cools, so let them rest completely before cutting.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of candies?
Yes, I can make my own caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream, but it needs to be thick enough to hold its shape when layered.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, I can. If I use salted butter, I simply reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid it becoming too salty.
How can I make these gluten-free?
I can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will still be deliciously chewy.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Not necessarily. They keep well at room temperature, but if I want the caramel firmer or plan to store them longer, refrigeration works best.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. I love how the buttery cookie dough, creamy caramel, and melted chocolate all come together with a hint of sea salt. They’re rich, easy to make, and always a hit with family and friends. Once I tried them, they quickly became one of my go-to sweet treats.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine chewy cookie dough, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty dessert.
