Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
Indulge in Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars featuring a rich cocoa base, creamy salted caramel frosting, and a sprinkle of sea salt. A perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors for any occasion!
24 Servings
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer or milk as an alternative
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 batch salted caramel frosting store-bought or homemade
- Coarse ground sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it thoroughly with nonstick baking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Cream the butter and sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender and well-combined base.
Incorporate wet ingredients:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk) to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Prepare the dough for baking:
- Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches all edges for uniform thickness. Use a spatula or clean hands to smooth the surface.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14–15 minutes. The edges should be set while the center may appear slightly soft; this ensures a chewy texture. Avoid overbaking to retain the desired consistency. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frost and garnish:
- Once cooled, spread an even layer of salted caramel frosting over the surface of the cookie bars. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a touch of contrast and flavor enhancement.
Cut and serve:
- Using a sharp knife, divide the cookie bars into 24 equal squares. Serve immediately or store as desired for future enjoyment.
Notes
To make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Additionally, verify that the salted caramel frosting and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.