Stepping into my kitchen, I can still feel the warm embrace of my grandmother’s laughter over the aroma of freshly baked cookies. Today, I’m excited to share my take on her treasured recipe: Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These delightful bars are not just a treat; they promise the perfect balance of rich caramel and semi-sweet chocolate, all enveloped in a chewy, decadent base. What makes them truly irresistible? They come together in a flash and are undeniably family-friendly—perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are bound to become a staple in your home. Ready to enchant your taste buds? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Bars So Irresistible? Decadent flavors: The combination of gooey caramel and semi-sweet chocolate will have everyone reaching for more! Quick to prepare: Whip these up in no time—perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings! Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will adore these cookie bars, making them a sure hit at any occasion. Versatile additions: Switch things up by experimenting with different chocolate types or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist! Keep them handy: Store these beauties in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for later indulgences. These are delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel from my Christmas Cookie Dip. Enjoy the sweet moments with loved ones! Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ingredients For the Cookie Base Salted Butter – Use this for rich flavor; unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt works too. Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a lovely chewy texture; dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the bars; swap with coconut sugar for a healthier touch. Large Eggs – Binds the mixture together; for egg-free versions, consider flax eggs as a substitute. Vanilla Extract – A must for enhancing flavor; always opt for pure vanilla for the best results. Kosher Salt – Perfectly balances the sweetness; if in a pinch, table salt can be used. Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise slightly; baking powder can substitute, but adjust the amount. All-Purpose Flour – Provides the essential structure; use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. For the Gooey Layer Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Rich choccy flavor; feel free to use dark or milk chocolate as per your preference. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Creates the creamy caramel layer that’s oh-so-decadent; evaporated milk can work but will change sweetness. Soft Caramels – The star for that gooey mouthfeel; homemade caramel or dulce de leche can be delightful substitutes. For the Topping Flaked Sea Salt – A sprinkling enhances the caramel flavor beautifully; it’s optional but highly recommended. Dive into the delightful world of these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and enjoy creating a family favorite that will tantalize your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later, and lightly grease it with cooking spray. This ensures your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come out effortlessly when baked to perfection. Step 2: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter with light brown sugar and granulated white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the large eggs one at a time, along with vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until combined. Step 3: Layer the Dough Take about ¾ of the prepared dough and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to create a smooth, flat layer. This forms the base for your delectable Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, which will soon be transformed by a gooey caramel layer! Step 4: Prepare the Caramel In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the caramels melt and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich, gooey caramel will be the star layer in your cookie bars, adding that irresistible sweetness everyone loves. Step 5: Assemble and Bake Pour approximately ¾ of the melted caramel mixture over the dough in the baking pan, spreading it evenly. Using small spoonfuls, drop the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, leaving space in between for it to rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and set. Step 6: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaked sea salt over the warm bars. Allow the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil overhang, cut into squares, and serve these delightful treats to your eager family and friends! How to Store and Freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Airtight Container: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and to maintain their gooey texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; this will enhance the gooey caramel and chocolate flavor, perfect for indulgent snack times. Thawing: When you’re ready to relish your frozen Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Expert Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Butter Temperature: Use softened butter at room temperature for the best texture. Cold butter won’t blend well, resulting in a dense final product. Caramel Consistency: Ensure your caramel mixture is smooth and creamy before layering. Lumpy caramel can lead to uneven textures in your cookie bars. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Remove them when the top is set but slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool, preventing a dry texture. Layer Evenly: Spread the caramel layer evenly over the dough to ensure every bite is packed with those gooey salted caramel flavors. Storage Tips: Store leftover Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days or freeze for longer enjoyment! What to Serve with Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked treats, and pairing these indulgent bars with delightful sides will create a truly memorable dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool contrast to the warm cookie bars amplifies their rich flavors, providing a delightful balance. Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of tart raspberries and strawberries for a bright, fruity pop that cuts through the sweetness. Espresso Coffee: The boldness of freshly brewed espresso perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars, making for a blissful afternoon pick-me-up. Milk Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch that amplifies the gooeyness of each bite. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lovely fluffiness that pairs delightfully with the chewy texture of the bars. Sea Salt Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie: For a double dessert delight, this warm, gooey skillet treat can complement the cookie bars and provide texture contrast. Chocolate Mint Tea: The refreshing mint tones enhance the rich chocolate and salted caramel flavors, making for a soothing and delicious pairing. Dark Chocolate Squares: Serve on the side for a sophisticated touch—this pairing will add a deep, rich dimension of flavor to enjoy with each bar. Make Ahead Options These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a fantastic option for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dough, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. The caramel layer can also be made and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just reheat slightly before layering. When you’re ready to bake, press the chilled dough into the pan, pour the caramel over it, and drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top before baking. This way, you’ll still enjoy that delicious, fresh-from-the-oven texture while saving precious time on busy days! Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Variations Feel free to personalize these cookie bars and make them uniquely yours, bringing even more joy to each bite! Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a lovely nutty flavor. Peanut Butter Twist: Substitute half the butter with creamy peanut butter for a delightful nutty flavor that’s truly addictive! Dark Chocolate Decadence: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense, rich chocolate experience. Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious treat free of animal products. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, making these bars a gluten-free indulgence. Chili Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. Extra Gooey Caramel: Drizzle extra melted caramel sauce over the top after baking for an even gooier treat that caramel lovers will adore! Flavorful Spices: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg into the dough for a hint of warm spice that compliments the chocolate and caramel perfectly. Take these ideas and let your creativity shine, making every baking session an adventure! If you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth even further, why not check out my recipe for a sumptuous Triple Chocolate Cheesecake? Or if you’re in the mood for a no-bake treat, the No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake is just as delightful! Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select the best ingredients for this recipe? When selecting ingredients, especially for the butter and chocolate, try to use high-quality salted butter for an optimal flavor. The chocolate chips should also be semi-sweet for that classic taste; however, feel free to mix in dark or milk chocolate for your preference. Choose soft caramels that are pliable and easy to melt for the gooey layer. What are the best storage methods and duration for these bars? Store your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Can I freeze the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars? How? Absolutely! To freeze these bars, first ensure they are completely cooled after baking. Cut them into individual squares, then wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars into a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their gooey goodness! What should I do if my cookie bars are too dry or crumbly? If you find that your cookie bars are dry or crumbly, it’s likely they were overbaked. Be sure to check them towards the end of the baking time; they should be set but slightly soft in the middle. If you prefer to adjust the recipe, you might want to reduce the baking time or ensure your butter is properly creamed with sugars to add moisture. Are these cookie bars suitable for different dietary restrictions? These bars can be easily adapted! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. To make them egg-free, substitute each egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit until gel-like before adding to the mixture. Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for Everyone Delight in these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, a perfect balance of caramel and chocolate in a chewy base that everyone will love! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Salted Butter softened1 cup Light Brown Sugar1/2 cup Granulated White Sugar2 large Large Eggs2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract use pure for best results1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt1 teaspoon Baking Soda2 cups All-Purpose FlourFor the Gooey Layer1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk14 oz Soft CaramelsFor the Topping1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt optional, but recommended Equipment 9x13 inch baking panMixing bowlSpatulaSaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang, then lightly grease it.In a large mixing bowl, combine softened salted butter with light brown and granulated white sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, mixing well. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and fold in the chocolate chips.Press about ¾ of the prepared dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a smooth layer.In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until melted and smooth.Pour approximately ¾ of the caramel mixture over the dough, and drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top of the caramel, leaving space in between. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly golden and set.After baking, sprinkle flaked sea salt over the warm bars and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesThese bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
