Name: Billionaire Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened).; 1/4 cup granulated sugar.; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed).; 1 cup all-purpose flour.; 1/4 tsp salt.; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter.; 1 cup brown sugar (packed).; 1/4 cup light corn syrup.; 1/4 cup heavy cream.; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.; 1/2 cup heavy cream.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. These bars feature a rich and buttery chocolate chip cookie dough base, topped with a luscious layer of homemade caramel, and finished with a smooth and creamy chocolate ganache. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the soft cookie dough to the chewy caramel and the rich chocolate top. These bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a great choice for special occasions or whenever you need a truly decadent treat. With layers of flavor and texture, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are a luxurious and decadent treat that layers rich flavors and textures for the ultimate dessert experience. The base layer is a buttery, soft chocolate chip cookie dough, which is topped with a thick, homemade caramel layer. Finally, the bars are crowned with a smooth and rich chocolate ganache that brings the entire dessert together. This combination creates a dessert bar that is perfect for special occasions or as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth any day.

INGREDIENTS

Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup, creates the rich and creamy base for the cookie dough.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, adds sweetness to the cookie dough.
Brown sugar (packed): 1/2 cup, adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the cookie dough.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup, provides structure to the cookie dough layer.
Salt: 1/4 tsp, enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough.
Mini chocolate chips: 1/4 cup, adds small bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie dough.
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the cookie dough.
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, forms the base of the caramel layer, adding richness.
Brown sugar (packed): 1 cup, sweetens and deepens the flavor of the caramel.
Light corn syrup: 1/4 cup, helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing and adds smoothness.
Heavy cream: 1/4 cup, adds creaminess and richness to the caramel.
Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp, enhances the flavor of the caramel.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, provides the chocolate layer, adding richness and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup, adds creaminess to the chocolate ganache.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Step 2:: Stir in the flour and salt until well combined, then mix in the mini chocolate chips and vanilla extract.
Step 3:: Press the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined 8x8-inch baking pan.
Step 4:: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream.
Step 5:: Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 6:: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over the cookie dough layer, spreading evenly.
Step 7:: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Step 8:: Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Step 9:: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Step 10:: Once set, cut into squares and enjoy these decadent billionaire bars.

Serving and Storage Tips

These bars are best served chilled, as this helps the layers hold their shape. For a different texture, you can let them come to room temperature before serving.
To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month, but make sure they are fully thawed before serving.

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a chewier caramel layer, you can extend the boiling time by an extra minute or two. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
You can substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
For a nutty twist, consider adding a layer of chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) between the caramel and chocolate layers.
To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose one that is suitable for baking.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Thomas Keller suggests adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel layer to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Chef Alice Waters recommends using high-quality vanilla extract and chocolate to really elevate the flavor of these bars.
Chef Jacques Torres advises using a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut the bars cleanly, ensuring each layer remains distinct and beautiful.

Why Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are the Ultimate Indulgence

These billionaire bars are the perfect way to indulge in rich and layered flavors. With a buttery cookie dough base, a gooey caramel center, and a decadent chocolate top, they offer a balance of textures that is simply irresistible. The layers come together to create a bar that is both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress and delight anyone who tries them.

The Versatility and Appeal of Billionaire Bars

Billionaire bars are a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit any taste. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, add nuts, or even sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sophisticated touch. Their layered structure makes them both beautiful and delicious, ensuring they stand out on any dessert table. Plus, they’re relatively easy to make, making them a great choice for both novice bakers and experienced dessert enthusiasts alike.

FAQs

Can I freeze these billionaire bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of light corn syrup in the caramel?

If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the caramel.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the bars a richer, more intense flavor. Just be aware that it will also make the bars slightly less sweet.

How should I store these bars?

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for up to a month.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the cookie dough layer with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure to use a blend that is designed for baking to get the best results.

Summary

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are the epitome of indulgence. Starting with a buttery, rich chocolate chip cookie dough base, these bars are topped with a layer of homemade caramel and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. The combination of these layers results in a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Each bite brings together the sweetness of the cookie dough, the gooeyness of the caramel, and the richness of the chocolate, creating a truly luxurious treat. Whether you're serving these at a party or enjoying them as a special treat, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a decadent dessert.