Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

There are few desserts that can rival the decadent allure of a warm, gooey cookie bar. The combination of buttery dough, rich chocolate, and sweet, slightly salty caramel creates an irresistible treat that feels indulgent yet comforting. Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night at home with a cup of coffee or milk. Unlike standard cookies, these bars are thick, soft, and chewy, with layers of caramel and chocolate that melt in your mouth, creating a dessert experience that’s both luxurious and approachable.

What sets these cookie bars apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The cookie base is rich and buttery with the perfect chew, enhanced by the subtle caramelized flavor of brown sugar. The filling layer of sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels adds an indulgent gooey texture that contrasts beautifully with the firm, yet tender cookie dough. Finally, a topping of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds richness and complexity, giving every bite a perfect sweet-salty harmony. With these cookie bars, you get the nostalgic comfort of homemade cookies and the decadent appeal of a professional dessert.

Ingredients:

Cookie Base:
1 cup salted butter (can substitute with unsalted butter for less salt)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (opt for pure vanilla for more intensity)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2½ cups all-purpose flour (swap with a gluten-free flour blend if needed)

For the Filling:
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (no direct substitute available)
10 ounces soft caramels, unwrapped (homemade caramel works as a substitute)

For the Topping:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate)
1 teaspoon flaked sea salt (regular salt can be used, but avoid coarse salt)

Method:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars. Grease lightly if needed. Proper preparation ensures even baking and makes transferring the bars effortless.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color. This step incorporates air, ensuring your cookie bars will be soft and tender rather than dense. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to incorporate all ingredients.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough bars, so ensure the ingredients are incorporated without excessive beating.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until a uniform dough forms. The dough should be thick but pliable, able to hold its shape when pressed into the baking pan.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Base
Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the base layer. This layer will support the caramel and chocolate toppings, providing a sturdy but soft foundation for the bars. Smooth the surface with a spatula or your fingers to create an even layer.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels. Stir continuously until the caramels have melted completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this gooey caramel mixture evenly over the cookie base, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Avoid stirring into the base, as you want a distinct, luscious caramel layer.

Step 7: Add the Remaining Cookie Dough
Crumble or dollop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to cover every inch perfectly; the cookie dough will spread slightly as it bakes, creating a rustic, appealing look. The contrast between the base, caramel, and topping dough will give the bars their signature gooey, layered texture.

Step 8: Top with Chocolate Chips and Salt
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top, followed by a light dusting of flaky sea salt. The chocolate will melt slightly during baking, while the salt provides a subtle flavor enhancement that balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set. The center should remain slightly soft—these bars continue to set as they cool, resulting in a chewy, gooey texture. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This ensures clean slices and prevents the bars from falling apart.

Step 10: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles. Serve as-is, or warm slightly in the microwave for a molten, indulgent experience. These bars pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips and Variations:

• Caramel Choices: Homemade caramel can be used in place of store-bought for a personalized flavor. Soft caramels are easiest to melt and spread.
• Chocolate Variations: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips for a different taste. Chopped chocolate bars also work well.
• Salt Adjustment: Flaked sea salt creates a more delicate crunch and visual appeal, but table salt works in a pinch. Adjust quantity to taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze individual bars for longer storage.

Conclusion:
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a luxurious yet approachable dessert that combines rich buttery dough, sweet caramel, and luscious chocolate in every bite. Their irresistible texture and flavor make them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply a sweet treat anytime you crave something decadent. With layers of gooey caramel and chocolate atop a tender cookie base, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite among family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to try them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely. If using unsalted butter, you may want to adjust the salt slightly to maintain flavor balance.

Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will still be gooey and delicious.

Q4: Can I use caramel sauce instead of soft caramels?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the consistency. Use a thicker caramel sauce or reduce slightly to avoid a runny layer.

Q5: How should I store leftovers?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q6: Can I make smaller batches?
Yes, this recipe can be halved to fit an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust baking time slightly, checking for set edges and a soft center.

Q7: Can I add nuts?
Yes. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be sprinkled over the top for added crunch and flavor.

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These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the best of cookies, chocolate, and caramel into one indulgent dessert. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a sweet treat at home, they’re guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.