Name: Salted Caramel Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp baking soda.; ½ tsp salt.; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.; ¾ cup granulated sugar.; ¾ cup packed brown sugar.; 2 large eggs.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk.; ½ cup packed brown sugar.; ¼ cup unsalted butter.; 2 tbsp corn syrup (optional).; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling).

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for those who love the combination of sweet and salty flavors. A chewy layer of cookie dough surrounds a gooey, rich caramel filling that’s balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt. Packed with chocolate chips and baked to perfection, these cookie bars are easy to make and absolutely irresistible!

Indulge in the rich, gooey layers of these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, where sweet and salty flavors come together perfectly. The soft cookie dough is packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and surrounds a delicious caramel filling that is made from scratch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate with a touch of savory.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups, for the cookie dough
Baking soda: 1 tsp, to help the dough rise
Salt: ½ tsp, to enhance flavor
Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened, for richness
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup, for sweetness
Brown sugar: ¾ cup, packed, for a deeper flavor
Eggs: 2 large, for binding
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 cups, for the chocolatey goodness
Sweetened condensed milk: 14 oz can, for the caramel layer
Brown sugar: ½ cup, packed, to sweeten the caramel
Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, to create a smooth caramel
Corn syrup: 2 tbsp (optional), for extra chewiness in the caramel
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, to flavor the caramel
Sea salt: ½ tsp, plus extra for sprinkling on top

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4:: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Step 5:: To make the caramel filling, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 10-12 minutes until thickened and caramel-colored.
Step 6:: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Let cool slightly.
Step 7:: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread the caramel filling over the dough.
Step 8:: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, spreading to cover most of the caramel.
Step 9:: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra sea salt.
Step 10:: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure the caramel sets properly.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The bars can also be frozen for longer storage.

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a saltier caramel, increase the amount of sea salt in the caramel layer.
Using corn syrup in the caramel is optional, but it helps create an extra chewy texture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

For perfectly chewy cookie bars, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.
Allow the caramel to cool slightly before spreading it over the cookie dough to make it easier to work with.

Why These Cookie Bars Are Irresistible

The combination of chewy cookie dough, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips makes these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars the ultimate dessert indulgence. The hint of sea salt enhances the sweetness and creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Chocolate and Caramel Perfection

With layers of cookie dough and rich caramel filling, these bars offer the perfect balance of texture and taste. Each bite delivers a gooey center, chocolatey sweetness, and a touch of saltiness.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Do I need to use corn syrup in the caramel?

Corn syrup is optional, but it helps make the caramel chewier. If you prefer, you can omit it for a softer caramel.

How do I store these cookie bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for a firmer texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Summary

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a deliciously decadent treat that combines gooey caramel with chewy cookie dough and rich chocolate chips. The caramel layer adds an indulgent touch, and the sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the dessert while balancing it with a hint of saltiness. Perfect for any occasion, these bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and they make a great addition to any dessert spread.