As the sweet aroma of melting caramel fills my kitchen, I can’t help but smile, knowing that my family’s favorite treat is just moments away. Meet my gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—a heavenly combination where warm, chewy cookie meets rich, luscious caramel. These bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for any gathering, turning dessert time into a true celebration. With a balance of sweet and savory thanks to a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite chocolate types or nutty additions, making each batch uniquely yours. Are you ready to bring a touch of sweetness to your day? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why Are These Cookie Bars a Must-Try?
Indulgence at Its Finest: These gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars seamlessly blend rich caramel with soft, chewy cookie goodness, ensuring a delightful experience in every bite.
Customization Galore: Want to switch things up? Try different chocolate types or add nuts for a personal twist that suits your taste.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, these bars are sure to wow friends and family. Don’t forget to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!
Storage Friendly: They keep well in an airtight container, making them a great make-ahead option for those busy days. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy those ooey-gooey moments?
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Salted Butter – Make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing; substitution: unsalted butter (add extra salt).
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep sweetness; substitution: dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Granulated White Sugar – Ensures sweetness and structure; no substitutions suggested.
• Large Eggs – Provide moisture and binding; substitution: flax egg for a vegan version (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; substitution: almond extract for a unique twist.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; no substitutions recommended but feel free to adjust to taste.
• Baking Soda – Critical for texture and rise; no substitutions allowed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure; substitution with gluten-free flour for gluten-free bars.
For the Caramel Layer
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Acts as a base for the gooey caramel layer; no substitutions recommended for best results.
• Soft Caramels (unwrapped) – Creates a luscious caramel layer; substitution: store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel works too.
• Flaked Sea Salt – Adds a finishing touch for flavor contrast; no substitutions suggested.
For the Chocolate
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Infuses chocolate flavor and delightful texture; substitution: dark or white chocolate chips can be used for variation.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later, and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This crucial step sets the stage for your delicious Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 1 cup of softened salted butter with 1 cup each of light brown sugar and granulated white sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage is vital for the texture of your cookie bars, creating a soft base that will hold the gooey caramel.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavors
Next, add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your buttery mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is smoothly combined. This blend of ingredients enhances the flavor profile of your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie bars, making every bite unforgettable.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until just combined, ensuring no dry patches remain. Once incorporated, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. The dough should feel soft and thick, ready to be layered for your delicious school bake sale treat.
Step 5: Press the Dough into the Pan
With about ¾ of your dough, evenly press it into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer. This forms the base of your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Use your fingers or a spatula to smooth it out and create a solid foundation that will support the luscious caramel layer.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 25 unwrapped soft caramels over medium-low heat. Stir continuously as the mixture melts and becomes smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to create the scrumptious, gooey caramel layer that will top your cookie bars.
Step 7: Layer the Caramel
Once melted, carefully pour about ¾ of the caramel mixture over the pressed cookie dough in the pan, ensuring even coverage. Next, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer in teaspoon-sized clumps. This creates a beautiful and enticing pattern for your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; they should remain slightly soft as they will firm up while cooling.
Step 9: Sprinkle and Cool
As soon as you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaked sea salt on top to balance the sweetness of the caramel. Allow the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the foil overhang and slicing into squares for serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are ideal for meal prep, making your baking days smoother and more enjoyable! You can prepare the dough and layer it in the baking pan up to 24 hours in advance, just refrigerate it to keep the ingredients fresh. The caramel layer can also be made and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the pan from the fridge, layer the caramel, and pop it in the oven as per the instructions. This way, you can enjoy decadent bars with minimal fuss, saving you time on busy weeknights while maintaining that deliciously gooey quality!
How to Store and Freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their gooey texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they will stay good for up to a week. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature for the best taste.
Freezer: Freeze the cookie bars in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To warm them up, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
What to Serve with Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Indulging in these delightful bars creates a cozy atmosphere, especially when paired with comforting sides that enhance their rich flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, gooey bars, enhancing your dessert experience.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your bars with a sweet drizzle of extra caramel sauce to amplify that rich, decadent flavor everyone adores.
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Fresh Berries: Serve with tart raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing bite that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
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Nutty Coffee: A warm cup of nutty coffee complements the bars’ flavors, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for casual gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Chocolate Milk: For a nostalgic twist, pair with a tall glass of chocolate milk that echoes the chocolate chips in the bars, making it a kid-friendly option.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: This delightful pairing introduces a refreshing minty flavor, creating a deliciously unique dessert experience for chocolate lovers.
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Whipped Cream: Don’t forget to top your bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of lightness and elegance.
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Gourmet Hot Chocolate: For a comforting drink, indulge in a rich cup of gourmet hot chocolate, creating a warm and inviting dessert party in your home.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: For a sweet and salty snack that complements the gooey texture of the bars, chocolate-covered pretzels offer a fun crunch and flavor contrast.
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Variation Ideas
You can personalize these gooey bars to fit your taste or dietary needs, making every batch a delightful surprise.
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Dairy-Free: Swap salted butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan treat. Enjoy the same deliciousness without the dairy!
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Nutty Flavor: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch that brings a new texture to your bars. The nutty aroma will enhance every bite, making them irresistibly unique.
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Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for different flavor profiles. You could even use those luscious White Chocolate Orange chips for a refreshing twist!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Everyone can enjoy these delectable bars, regardless of dietary restrictions!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a warm contrast to the sweet caramel. It’s a surprising flavor boost that turns up the heat in an exciting way!
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Caramel Twist: For a new sensation, replace soft caramels with dulce de leche. This rich caramel will provide a smoother, deeper flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
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Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Inspired by the luscious Salted Caramel Cheesecake, swirl in some cream cheese with the caramel layer. This adds a creamy richness that contrasts perfectly with the cookie base.
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Add Fruit: Incorporate dried fruit like cherries or cranberries to add a touch of tartness. They pop in your mouth amidst the gooeyness, bringing joy to every bite!
Let your creativity soar, and make these bars a family favorite that you can adapt for any occasion!
Expert Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy mixture. Cold butter can lead to dense bars.
• Mixing Matters: Beat the butter-sugar mixture well to prevent lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect texture in your gooey salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time! The bars should be slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
• Caramel Layer: Stir the caramel mixture constantly as it melts to avoid burning. A smooth caramel is key to that gooey layer everyone loves.
• Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them to achieve clean slices. Warm bars can be too soft to handle!
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for these cookie bars?
Absolutely! I recommend using salted butter at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If you’re all out, unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of extra salt to balance the sweetness.
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
These delightful Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh even longer, consider refrigerating them, where they will last for about a week.
Can I freeze the cookie bars for later?
Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before indulging.
What can I do if my cookie bars are too soft?
No worries! If your bars turn out too soft, ensure that you’ve allowed them to cool completely before cutting. Look for a slight golden edge, as overbaking can lead to dryness. If they’re still too gooey after cooling, try placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them set up.
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Great question! The basic recipe is nut-free, but always check your chocolate chip packaging, as some brands might have cross-contamination warnings. If you wish to add nuts, consider alternatives like seeds or simply omit them for a nut-free treat.
Can I customize the chocolate chips for this recipe?
Very much! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. You can even mix and match to create a chocolate chip medley in your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Enjoy experimenting!
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Magic at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Beat 1 cup of softened salted butter with 1 cup each of light brown sugar and granulated white sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed. Once incorporated, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Press about ¾ of your dough into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 25 unwrapped soft caramels over medium-low heat, stirring until melted and smooth (5-7 minutes).
- Pour about ¾ of the caramel mixture over the pressed cookie dough, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaked sea salt on top immediately after removing from the oven and allow to cool completely.
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