Indulge in a heavenly blend of buttery cookie dough, rich caramel, and chocolate chips, finished with a hint of sea salt for a balance of sweet and savory. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Oh, how these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars whisk me back to my grandma’s kitchen! I remember her saying, “Baking is love made visible,” as we mixed the dough together. She had a secret: extra vanilla and a pinch of love. Every bite now reminds me of those cherished moments, filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of caramel and chocolate.
What makes these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars truly exceptional?
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet and salty in these bars creates an irresistible contrast.
- Texture Galore: With gooey caramel, soft cookie, and melty chocolate chips, every bite is a delightful surprise.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is fuss-free and perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients Notes For This Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Crafting these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is a journey into a world of rich flavors. Key ingredients play starring roles, each bringing its unique essence.
- Butter: The foundation of any good cookie bar, providing richness and depth.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor compared to regular granulated sugar.
- Eggs: The binding agent that gives structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chips: The heart of the dish, adding that much-loved chocolatey goodness.
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Step-By-Step To Make This Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Let’s dive into the world of baking these scrumptious bars! Each step is a building block to creating a masterpiece.
- Preparation: Start by getting your oven ready and setting up your baking dish. This step is all about laying the groundwork for your delicious creation.
- Mixing the Dough: Creaming butter and sugars until fluffy is crucial for texture. Adding eggs and vanilla infuses richness and flavor.
- Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gradually adding flour ensures a smooth, well-incorporated dough. Folding in chocolate chips adds bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Assembling the Base: Pressing half the dough into the dish forms the perfect foundation for your caramel layer.
- Creating Caramel Magic: Melting caramels with condensed milk requires patience, but the result is a heavenly caramel layer.
- Layering and Baking: Dropping the rest of the dough over caramel and baking until just set makes for a gooey, delightful texture.
- The Finishing Touch: Sprinkling sea salt and cooling are essential for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Storage Options:
Keep these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you manage to have leftovers (good luck with that!), they maintain their texture and taste when stored properly.
Variations and Substitutions:
Flexibility is the spice of life, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some creative twists:
- Different Chocolates: Swap semisweet chips with dark or milk chocolate for a new flavor profile.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Salt Variations: Experiment with different types of sea salt for subtle flavor changes.
- Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free butter and caramels to cater to dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free variant for those with gluten sensitivities.
Remember, the key to great baking is to have fun and experiment. Each variation brings its own unique twist to this classic treat!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 14 ounces of Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 10 ounces Soft Caramels unwrapped
- 1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt
Instructions
- Preparation of Baking Apparatus: Initiate by preheating the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Subsequently, align a 9x13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring to coat it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
- Dough Formation: In the receptacle of an electric mixer, amalgamate the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the concoction is light and fluffy, a process taking approximately two minutes. Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, ensuring thorough mixing. Utilize a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl, guaranteeing an even blend.
- Incorporation of Dry Ingredients: Diminish the mixer speed to low and gradually introduce the all-purpose flour into the mix. Continue the beating process until the constituents are combined, then manually fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Assembly of Base Layer: Press one-half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Caramel Layer Preparation: In a medium saucepan, amalgamate the sweetened condensed milk with unwrapped soft caramels. Position the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring persistently, until the caramels have completely melted and the mixture attains a smooth, homogeneous consistency. Once achieved, pour this caramel filling over the cookie dough layer in the baking dish.
- Final Assembly: Utilize the remaining cookie dough, dropping it in small, teaspoon-sized clumps over the caramel layer. Proceed to bake the bars in the preheated oven for a duration of 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center of the bars is just set.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bars from the oven and, immediately, sprinkle the baked bars with flaked sea salt. Allow the bars to cool completely within the dish. Upon cooling, utilize the edges of the foil to lift the entire dessert out of the pan, facilitating ease of slicing. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally for no longer than 3 days for optimal freshness and quality.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
