Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars! They’re like a warm hug in dessert form, perfectly chewy with that delightful balance of sweet and salty. I remember the first time I baked these for a friend’s gathering – the aroma filled my kitchen, and I could barely wait for them to cool before I dove in! Each bite is a gooey, chocolatey masterpiece, and the salted caramel just takes it over the top. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re super easy to whip up too, making them my go-to treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a fun get-together, these bars are always a hit!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good ol’ wooden spoon works too if you’re feeling strong!
- Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Ah, that smell is heavenly!
- Now, in another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to ensure there are no clumps of baking soda when you mix everything later.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want to keep that lovely texture!
- Fold in the chocolate chips, which will give you that rich, melty goodness in every bite. Yum!
- Spread half of the dough into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s even. Then, drizzle half of that luscious salted caramel sauce over the dough. I like to let it drizzle in a pretty pattern for a fun look!
- Now, take the remaining dough and spread it over the caramel layer. Drizzle the rest of the caramel on top. It’s going to look amazing!
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are firm, but the center is still a bit soft – that’s where the magic happens!
- Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting game is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Rich flavor with that irresistible blend of chocolate and salted caramel.
- Perfectly chewy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in!
- Can be made ahead of time and still taste amazing – just warm them up for that fresh-baked feel!
Tips for Success
To make sure your salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for achieving that ideal texture. Also, use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother batter. If you want extra chewy bars, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking – trust me, it makes a difference! And when it comes to cutting, make sure they’re completely cooled; this prevents them from falling apart. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different chocolate types or add-ins like nuts for a fun twist!
Variations of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with your salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars! For a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans – they pair beautifully with the caramel and chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, swap out the regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some crushed pretzels for that perfect salty-sweet combo! And if you’re in the mood for a seasonal flavor, try adding pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a cozy touch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For that warm, gooey goodness, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. You’ll be in cookie heaven again in no time!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Just a quick note: nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate. Each delicious bar contains approximately 250 calories, with 12 grams of fat (including 7 grams of saturated fat), 20 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Plus, you’ll get about 33 grams of carbohydrates and 150 mg of sodium. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and savor every bite!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce? Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce is a great time-saver, and it still tastes amazing in these bars. Just make sure to choose a quality brand for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have a baking dish? No worries! You can use a lined cookie sheet or even a cast-iron skillet if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the baking time as needed, keeping an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your chocolate chips and caramel sauce are also gluten-free!
How do I know when they’re done baking? You’ll want to look for that golden-brown color on the edges, but the center should still be slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, yielding that chewy texture you crave!
Can I add other mix-ins? Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite mix-ins like shredded coconut, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for a unique twist!
Print
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars That Delight Every Bite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread half of the dough in a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the dough.
- Spread the remaining dough on top and drizzle with the rest of the caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars