Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a treat that will make your heart sing, look no further than these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love. They combine rich chocolate with gooey caramel in every bite, making them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

These cookie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a batch ready to share—or keep all to yourself (no judgment here!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 45 minutes, you can create a dessert that feels like a special occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, and the addition of caramel makes them even more appealing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars store well, so you can make them ahead of time for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! No fancy items here—just good old-fashioned baking staples that come together to create something truly magical.

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup Salted Butter (can substitute with unsalted butter for less salt)
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
• ½ cup Granulated White Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for more intensity)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoons if using table salt)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2½ cups All-Purpose Flour (swap with a gluten-free flour blend if needed)

For the Caramel Layer

• 1 14-ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk (no direct substitute available)
• 10 ounces Soft Caramels (unwrapped; homemade caramel works as a substitute)

For the Chocolate Topping

• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate)
• 1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt (regular salt can be used, but avoid coarse salt)

Variations

This recipe is flexible! You can easily mix things up based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Use Different Chocolates: Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
• Incorporate Flavorings: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to soft and chewy cookie bars. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Don’t forget to mix in the kosher salt and baking soda!

Step 3: Add Flour

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want that perfect texture! The dough should come together nicely without being too stiff.

Step 4: Layer with Caramel

Spread half of the cookie dough into an even layer in a greased baking pan. In a separate bowl, melt the soft caramels with sweetened condensed milk over low heat until smooth. Pour this gooey goodness over your first layer of dough.

Step 5: Top It Off

Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some caramel will peek through! Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips on top and finish with flaked sea salt.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting into bars. The wait will be worth it—your kitchen will smell divine!

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

Baking is all about enjoying the process, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and better incorporation of air, resulting in fluffier bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie bars rather than the desired gooey texture.
• Chill before baking: If you have a little extra time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking, leading to thicker, chewy bars.
• Check for doneness carefully: Since these bars are gooey, they might look slightly underbaked in the middle. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
• Let them cool completely: Before cutting into squares, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

These cookie bars are not only delicious on their own but can also be dressed up for any occasion! Here are some ideas to make your presentation even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich bars without overpowering their flavor.
• Extra Flaked Sea Salt: Sprinkling a touch of flaked sea salt right before serving enhances the sweet and salty balance that makes these cookie bars irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm cookie bars with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top can elevate this dessert into something truly indulgent and decadent.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a comforting finish to your dessert experience, perfect for any cozy gathering.

Enjoy making and sharing these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – they’re sure to become a favorite among family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent option to whip up in advance for gatherings or sweet cravings throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Cut into squares and place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label with the date so you know when you made them!

Reheating

• Remove bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• For a warm treat, microwave each bar on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about these delicious cookie bars.

Can I make Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!

What can I substitute if I don’t have soft caramels?

If you don’t have soft caramels, homemade caramel works beautifully as a substitute. Just ensure it’s gooey enough to blend well with the chocolate chips!

How do I prevent my cookie bars from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, line your baking pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This makes it easier to lift out the bars once they’ve cooled!

What should I do if my bars come out too dry?

If your cookie bars seem dry, make sure not to overbake them. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for that perfect golden brown color.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars as I am! They bring together rich flavors and delightful textures that are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Enjoy every gooey bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try out. Happy baking!