Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are a decadent treat combining rich chocolate, buttery cookie, and luscious caramel with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for sharing or indulging, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors 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 to the bowl, 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 homemade or high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
• For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
• Press the chocolate chips lightly into the dough to prevent them from burning during baking.
• Adjust sea salt flakes amount to taste – start with less if you prefer a milder salty note.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to bring back softness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added sea salt flakes to avoid the bars becoming too salty.

How do I prevent the caramel from making the cookie bars soggy?

Drizzle the caramel sauce just before baking and avoid pouring too much. Baking helps the caramel set slightly, keeping the bars from becoming soggy.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookie dough with luscious chocolate chips and rich caramel sauce, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly decadent, these bars are perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully incorporated for a rich flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
5. Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the dough.
6. Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out so the surface is flat and uniform.
7. Add Chocolate Chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the dough and press them gently into the surface to embed them slightly.
8. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips, distributing it carefully to cover as much surface as possible.
9. Sprinkle Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the top to introduce a savory contrast that enhances the flavors of the caramel and chocolate.
10. Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set, indicating the cookie is fully baked but still soft.
11. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, allowing the caramel to set, before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• You can use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel for the topping.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Allow the bars to cool thoroughly before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
• If desired, sprinkle a little more sea salt just before serving for an extra salty crunch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Sugar Cookie Bars, Dessert Bars, Sweet and Salty Dessert, Chocolate Chip Bars