Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the dough and press them gently into the surface to embed them slightly.
- Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips, distributing it carefully to cover as much surface as possible.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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