Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine the best of chewy cookies with rich caramel and chocolate flavors. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Step 6: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Scatter the chocolate chips over the dough, pressing them gently into the surface.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
11. Step 11: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm caramel sauce for easier drizzling and better coverage.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste.
• If you prefer softer bars, reduce baking time by a few minutes, watching closely.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and chocolate before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty bars.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for all-purpose flour.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 88 reviews

Delight in these decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars, combining buttery sugar cookie dough with rich chocolate chips, luscious caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars make a delightful treat for any occasion.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender texture for the cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which helps bind the dough and adds flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
5. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep the bars tender.
6. Press Dough in Pan: Transfer and press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base for the toppings.
7. Add Chocolate Chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the dough, pressing them gently into the surface to help them adhere during baking.
8. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour and spread the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chip layer for rich, gooey pockets of flavor.
9. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast in each bite.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
11. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• For a deeper flavor, you can use homemade caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought version.
• Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top before baking.

Keywords: salted caramel, chocolate, sugar cookie bars, dessert bars, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, sea salt, easy dessert, baked bars