Description
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat, combining the comforting flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with a luscious salted caramel swirl. The soft, chewy cookie base, studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, is perfectly complemented by the rich, buttery caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bars are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is essential for ensuring your cookie bars have the right texture.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookie bars.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to press the dough into an even layer.
Step 8: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt. The sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover as much as possible. Don’t worry if the caramel isn’t completely covered; the bars will still be delicious.
Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cookie layer comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on the bars to prevent them from burning.
Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt if desired. Cooling completely is crucial for clean cuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to make and require no special equipment. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to everyone. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, they’re a great way to use up pantry staples and impress your friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- Cut into smaller squares for easy snacking or serving at parties.
Tips:
- Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing and texture in the dough.
- Chill the caramel sauce slightly if it’s too runny to prevent it from sinking into the cookie dough.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per bar, approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow and guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat every time. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will add an even richer and more complex flavor to the bars. Just make sure it’s not too thin, or it might seep into the cookie dough too much.
Q2: What if I don’t have flaky sea salt? Can I use regular table salt?
A: While flaky sea salt provides a lovely texture and burst of flavor, you can substitute it with regular table salt. Use a smaller amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, as table salt is more potent.
Q3: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or in a single layer in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. Each will give the bars a slightly different flavor profile.
Q5: What can I do if my caramel sauce is too runny and sinking into the dough?
A: To prevent the caramel from sinking, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before drizzling it over the cookie dough. This will thicken it slightly and help it stay on top of the dough.
