Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances gooey caramel with melty chocolate and a buttery cookie base, you are in for a treat with these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. This recipe brings together the classics you love in a fun, bar form that’s easy to slice, share, and enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes. Imagine biting into a soft cookie layer bursting with chocolate chips and chunks, then meeting a luscious caramel middle that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether for a party, an afternoon snack, or a comforting homemade dessert, these bars quickly become a favorite and an absolute must-make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step towards making perfect Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Each item plays a crucial role, from the buttery richness of the dough to the decadent pockets of caramel and chocolate that make every bite magic.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for your bars.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with a light rise and soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for buttery goodness.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and aids in that slight crispness on the edges.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Infuses a deep, subtle molasses flavor for warmth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic bursts of chocolate throughout.
• 1 cup chocolate chunks: Larger pockets of melty chocolate to surprise your taste buds.
• 11 oz soft caramels or caramel bits: The star ingredient that brings gooey sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps melt the caramels smoothly for that luscious layer.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A well-prepared pan ensures your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bake evenly and release easily, giving you those perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is straightforward but essential, distributing the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour to create a balanced dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a soft and tender texture that’s key for these bars.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with its unmistakable warm and sweet aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, which would make your bars tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chunks

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chunks to spread these decadent pockets evenly without breaking them up too much. This will create those delightful chocolate bursts in every bite.

Step 7: Press Dough Into the Pan

Reserve about one-third of the dough for topping. Press the remaining two-thirds firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid cookie base under the caramel layer.

Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Layer

Melt the caramels with the heavy cream in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Pour this luscious caramel evenly over your cookie dough base, creating the gooey, irresistible heart of the bars.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the saved dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread and pat it down as best as you can to cover the caramel without mixing them together too much. This creates a beautiful layered effect with soft cookie dough on top.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should be golden and set, signaling that your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are ready to come out and cool.

Step 11: Cool Completely and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step ensures the caramel sets properly and you get clean, sturdy squares without the caramel oozing everywhere.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Enhance your bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a sophisticated yet simple touch. These garnishes heighten the caramel’s sweetness and add a lovely textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess that complements the rich caramel and chocolate flavors beautifully. A cup of coffee or warm milk is also a perfect beverage match.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these bars at a party on a wooden board with fresh berries or nuts scattered around for visual appeal. Alternatively, layer them into a dessert parfait with whipped cream and chopped nuts for a fun twist on enjoying Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness and moistness.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or until the caramel softens and chocolate melts slightly, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Yes, you can substitute soft caramel candies with good-quality store-bought caramel sauce. Just make sure it’s thick enough to spread and layer without running too much.

What’s the best chocolate to use in these bars?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks provide a nice balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to use dark or milk chocolate according to your preference for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Are these bars suitable for freezing after baking?

Absolutely! Freeze the bars after baking and cooling for convenient treats. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can give your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly a crowd-pleaser that turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Once you try them, you’ll find it hard to resist their rich caramel swirls and gooey chocolate pockets. Whether you’re baking for friends or just to delight yourself, these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead and bake a batch—you deserve every delicious bite!

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