Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds, these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are just the thing! They’re rich, gooey, and oh-so-indulgent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these for family gatherings or even just a cozy night in. The combination of buttery cookie dough with smooth caramel and loads of chocolate chips makes them an instant favorite.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss. Plus, they’re great for parties or bake sales because who can resist a bar that’s as delicious as it is easy to share?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques—just mix and bake!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey caramel and chocolate combo.
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars can be baked in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
• Versatile dessert: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Let’s gather everything you need to whip up these delightful bars.

For the Cookie Base

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate chunks
• 11 oz soft caramels or caramel bits
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Variations

The beauty of these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is their flexibility! You can easily customize them to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change the chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a different flavor twist.
• Mix in some sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Try different extracts: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give these bars a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cookie bars will bake evenly and won’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour, so your bars rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookie bars tender and chewy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully mixing each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract afterward. This adds moisture and flavor to your dough!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookie bars soft and delicious.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in both semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks. The more chocolate, the better!

Step 7: Layer Dough in Pan

Press two-thirds of the dough into your prepared baking dish evenly. This forms the base layer where all that gooey goodness will sit.

Step 8: Melt Caramels

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the caramels with heavy cream until smooth. Pour this luscious caramel layer over your cookie base—it’s what makes these bars truly indulgent!

Step 9: Add Remaining Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread it out; we want pockets of caramel peeking through!

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 11: Cool Before Slicing

Let them cool completely before slicing into squares. Patience is key here; allowing them to cool helps them set up just right!

Enjoy these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars as much as I do! They’re sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert rotation.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are a treat that everyone will love, and with a few pro tips, you can make them even more delightful!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures they mix together smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier bars.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your cookie bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft for that perfect gooey texture.

• Let cool completely: Resist the temptation to slice into these bars right after they come out of the oven. Allow them to cool completely in the pan to help them firm up and make cutting easier.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Serving these decadent caramel chocolate chip cookie bars is just as important as making them! There are plenty of ways to present this scrumptious dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances the sweet flavor of the caramel and adds a delightful crunch.

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the gooeyness of the bars beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookie bars, creating a classic dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookie bars.

• Coffee or espresso: Serving these treats alongside a cup of coffee or espresso balances their sweetness and makes for an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up.

With these serving suggestions, your caramel chocolate chip cookie bars will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your gooey treats:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cookie bars into squares.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• For a warm, gooey texture, consider microwaving individual bars for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious caramel chocolate chip cookie bars:

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each variation will bring its unique flavor profile!

How do I make the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar slightly or opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. You could also add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast!

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can use plant-based butter or coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative. Just be aware that this may change the flavor slightly but will still yield delicious results.

What should I serve with my Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

These cookie bars are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these caramel chocolate chip cookie bars! They’re not just rich and indulgent; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s for a gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy every gooey bite!