Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe Ever

Sweet memories swirl around these decadent salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars that promise pure indulgence.

Caramel ribbons weave through rich chocolate chunks, creating a mesmerizing contrast of flavors.

Soft, chewy textures melt against crisp edges, delivering a symphony of sensations.

Unexpected salt crystals dance across each bite, intensifying the deep chocolate notes.

Baking these treats feels like crafting edible art with minimal effort.

Weekend baking sessions transform into delightful moments of culinary magic.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible dessert.

Cookie Bar FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these bars so delicious?

The secret is the combination of buttery oat cookie base, rich chocolate chips, and homemade caramel sauce, all finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.

• Can I use quick oats instead of regular oats?

Yes, quick oats will work just fine in this recipe. They’ll give the bars a slightly different texture but won’t significantly change the overall taste or quality of the dessert.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly set edges. The center might still look a bit soft, but it will firm up as the bars cool completely. This ensures a gooey, moist texture that’s irresistible.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Absolutely! The parchment paper helps you easily lift the bars out of the pan and prevents sticking. It makes cutting and serving much simpler and keeps your baking dish clean.

Why These Cookie Bars Stand Out

• Quick and Simple Dessert That Impresses
• Whips up in under 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Combines classic chocolate chip cookie flavor with luxurious salted caramel, guaranteeing smiles from kids and adults alike.
• No complicated techniques required- just mix, layer, and bake for a foolproof dessert that looks professionally made.
• Great for potlucks, weekend gatherings, afternoon snacks, or midnight indulgences without complex preparation steps.

What You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Perfect blend for a hearty, chewy cookie base with great texture and wholesome flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookie dough rise and create a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, rich flavor that complements chocolate and caramel.
• Melted Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and adds depth of flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout the bars.
• Caramel Sauce: Creates gooey, luxurious layer with sweet, buttery flavor.
• Sea Salt: Adds delightful contrast to sweet elements, enhancing overall taste complexity.

Baking Guide for Chewy, Buttery Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab an 8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges so you can easily lift out your delicious creation later.

Step 2: Create the Oat Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour in the wet ingredients and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Don’t worry about making it perfect- rustic is good!

Step 3: Build the Base Layer

Firmly press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and packed down. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until it starts to set.

Step 4: Load Up with Chocolate and Caramel

• Chocolate chips (scattered generously)
• Caramel sauce (drizzled all over)
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Step 5: Create the Topping

Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Leave some open spots so the gooey goodness can peek through. Slide back into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into squares. Watch everyone’s eyes light up when they take a bite!

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Salty Just Right

• Prevent Sticky Caramel: Chill caramel sauce briefly before pouring to help it spread more evenly and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Press cookie base gently into pan to create a compact, even layer that ensures consistent baking and prevents crumbly edges.
• Control Sweetness Balance: Reduce sea salt quantity if you prefer a less intense salted caramel flavor, or use flaky salt for a more delicate seasoning.
• Master Cutting Technique: Wait until bars are completely cooled to room temperature before slicing to get clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Customize Chocolate Options: Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or semi-sweet to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.

Store These Bars Without Drying Them Out

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and prevent caramel from melting.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey texture and enhance the caramel flavor.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and bring out the rich, decadent taste.

Pairing Ideas for Salty-Sweet Snacks

• Select a rich, sweet port wine to complement the intense caramel and chocolate flavors, balancing the dessert's richness with its smooth, fruity notes.
• Brew a robust espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness, enhancing the bar's deep chocolate and caramel undertones with a bold, aromatic coffee experience.
• Pour a cold glass of whole milk to cool down the warm, gooey chocolate chip bars, creating a classic comfort food combination that softens the dessert's rich flavors.
• Sip a hazelnut or almond liqueur alongside the bars, introducing a complementary nutty essence that amplifies the cookie's depth and provides a sophisticated adult twist.

Creative Additions to Try

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring the same rich flavor and texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Salted Caramel Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and create plant-based caramel sauce using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Nut-Lover's Chocolate Caramel Bars: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the cookie base and sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added crunch and nutty depth.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, and select dark chocolate with minimal added sugar to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bring rich, gooey layers of sweet and salty comfort to classic dessert expectations. Crumbly edges, molten chocolate, and caramel swirls promise delightful moments that chocolate enthusiasts will savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for topping

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Instructions

1. Coat an 8-inch square baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend beyond the pan for effortless removal.
2. Create the foundational oat mixture by blending flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in a comprehensive mixing vessel.
3. Incorporate melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the dry components, gently folding until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Distribute roughly half the prepared dough across the parchment-lined pan, pressing firmly to establish an even, compact base layer.
5. Position the pan into a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing the base to solidify and slightly crisp for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Extract the partially baked foundation and liberally scatter chocolate chips across the surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
7. Delicately drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate chips, using a spatula to achieve uniform distribution.
8. Sprinkle a measured quantity of sea salt to enhance the caramel’s complex flavor profile.
9. Crumble the remaining dough atop the caramel layer, creating an artistic, rustic arrangement with strategic exposed sections.
10. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the surface achieves a rich, golden-brown coloration.
11. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling within the pan, enabling structural stabilization.
12. Utilize parchment edges to extract the entire confection, then slice into precise, uniform squares or rectangular segments.

Notes

• Enhance the cookie base’s texture by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan, creating a firmer, more compact foundation.
• Experiment with different chocolate variations like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to customize the flavor profile and match personal preferences.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free caramel sauce or replacing some brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie alternative.
• Ensure even caramel distribution by warming the sauce slightly before pouring, which helps it spread smoothly across the chocolate chip layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg