Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are an indulgent combination of chewy chocolate chip cookie dough and gooey caramel. These bars feature a rich, buttery cookie base, layered with smooth caramel sauce and topped with more cookie dough and chocolate chips. As they bake, the caramel becomes luxuriously soft, creating a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, though the recipe can be made without them for a purely chocolatey experience. Whether you’re serving these bars at a party or enjoying them as an everyday treat, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, melted for richness in the cookie dough
• Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed for a deep, molasses-like sweetness
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, for balance in sweetness
• Eggs: 2 large, for binding the dough
• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, for added flavor
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, to create the dough structure
• Baking soda: 1/2 tsp, to help the bars rise
• Salt: 1/4 tsp, to balance the sweetness
• Chocolate chips: 2 cups, semi-sweet or milk chocolate for added richness
• Caramel sauce: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade for the gooey center
• Chopped pecans: 1/2 cup, optional for crunch

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 3:

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4:

Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips.

Step 5:

Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 6:

Pour the caramel sauce over the first layer of dough. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel.

Step 7:

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel and gently spread to cover.

Step 8:

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9:

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle more caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

Helpful Notes

• For best results, let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from becoming too gooey.
• Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, but they are optional if you prefer a purely chocolatey dessert.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Jenna recommends using sea salt caramel sauce for a subtle contrast in flavors, adding complexity to each bite.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

What’s the best way to store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before serving.

Can I make homemade caramel sauce?

Yes, you can easily make caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and cream. It adds a homemade touch to these bars.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars combine the richness of caramel and the sweetness of chocolate chips into one chewy, decadent dessert. These bars are made by layering cookie dough and caramel sauce, resulting in a treat that is both gooey and satisfying. The recipe is simple: mix the dough, layer with caramel, and bake until golden. For a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans, or keep it purely chocolatey for maximum indulgence. Perfect for dessert tables, parties, or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite. To get the cleanest cuts, allow the bars to cool completely and refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top to enhance their rich flavor.