Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that will impress anyone. With a gooey caramel layer and rich chocolate chips, they are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet craving at home. The combination of salty and sweet flavors makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re baking for friends or enjoying them solo, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Decadent Flavor: The blend of salted caramel and chocolate chips creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just an everyday dessert.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be baked in advance and stored, making them a convenient choice for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 30 servings per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your ingredients are blended thoroughly for a fluffy dough.
• Baking pan: A sturdy 9×13-inch pan provides even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture in your cookie bars.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep ingredients separate while preparing the recipe.

Ingredients

These ooey gooey bars are so incredible!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, (at room temperature)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 10 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped) (about 40 caramels)
• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and coat it liberally with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, Kosher salt, and baking soda; continue mixing until smooth. Gradually turn down the speed and add the all-purpose flour until just combined. Finally, stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Press three-quarters of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 4: Melt the Caramels

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped caramels. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour three-quarters of the melted caramel mixture over the layer of dough in the pan. Drop remaining dough evenly over the caramel in teaspoon-sized amounts. Save any leftover caramel for another use—it’s delicious drizzled over ice cream!

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is just set.

Step 7: Finish Off

Once baked, sprinkle with flaked sea salt while still warm. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Now you have delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be enjoyed in various ways, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the bars with fresh berries or sliced bananas. The tartness of the fruit balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel

• Add a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce over each bar before serving. This extra touch intensifies the caramel flavor and adds an appealing look.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a platter alongside other desserts like brownies or cheesecake bites for a delightful dessert spread during gatherings.

Coffee Companion

• Enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cookie bars wonderfully.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

To ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to avoid tough bars. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at 350 degrees F. An accurate temperature is crucial for even baking.

• Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps set the caramel and makes slicing easier.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Complementing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with some delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
2. Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.
3. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream adds texture and can tone down sweetness.
4. Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances chocolate flavor while adding decadence.
5. Nut Mix – A mix of salted nuts provides crunch and saltiness, complementing the sweet bars nicely.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers freshness and bright flavors that cut through richness.
7. Coffee or Tea – Serve alongside coffee or herbal tea for a warm beverage option that pairs well with dessert.
8. Caramel Sauce – For those who love extra indulgence, serving additional caramel sauce on the side is always a hit!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense bars. Always ensure the butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan for firm slices.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when the center is set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Cut into individual bars before freezing for easier thawing.

Reheating Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:

What makes Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars unique?

The combination of sweet chocolate chips with rich salted caramel creates a delightful contrast, making these bars irresistible.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I know when they are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be just set but not jiggly. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even different flavored extracts to personalize your cookie bars.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or an afternoon snack. Plus, feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins!