You know that feeling when you bite into something warm and gooey, and your taste buds are ready to dance? That's exactly what inspired me to whip up these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They emerged one rainy afternoon when I was searching for something sweet yet comforting, and let me tell you, they exceeded all my expectations! The moment I took them out of the oven, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of melting chocolate mingling with rich caramel.
These bars are more than just a treat; they’re a versatile delight perfect for any occasion—whether it's a family gathering, a cozy movie night, or just because! With just 20 minutes of prep time and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll find that creating these indulgent bars can be a culinary escape from the mundane. Trust me, their gooey center and sprinkling of flaky sea salt will make them your new go-to dessert, one that your friends will be begging you to make again and again! Let's dive into the steps to craft this decadent delight.
Why You'll Love This Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- These cookie bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time which makes them perfect for any busy day.
- The combination of gooey caramel and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more after every bite.
- They are versatile enough to be served at any gathering, ensuring that guests will rave about this irresistible dessert.
- The stunning visual appeal of these bars, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, adds an impressive touch to your dessert table.
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour – essential for that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bars rise beautifully while baking.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt – enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted) – provides richness and depth to the flavor.
• 1.25 cups brown sugar – adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the bars.
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar – balances the sweetness with a slight crunch.
• 2 large eggs – binds everything together and adds a delightful fluffiness.
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract – infuses warmth and aroma into your bars.
For the Chocolate and Caramel Filling
• 1.5 cups chocolate chips – these will melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate bliss.
• 11 oz soft caramel candies (unwrapped) – the star ingredient for that luscious, gooey center.
• 0.25 cup heavy cream – ensures the caramel melts smoothly for easy spreading.
For the Topping
• Flaky sea salt – just a sprinkle adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the overall flavor of these gooey salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars.
How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars bake evenly and reach that perfect golden-brown hue.
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Prepare your pan: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later and ensure minimal cleanup.
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2.25 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. This mix will provide the necessary structure for your cookie bars.
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Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1.25 cups of brown sugar, and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy for that rich, decadent flavor.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Stir in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined; this will make your cookie bars fluffy and flavorful.
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Combine everything: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then add 1.5 cups of chocolate chips. You'll want that chocolate goodness evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Layer the dough: Take half of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will be the base for your luscious caramel layer.
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Melt the caramel: In a saucepan, melt 11 oz of unwrapped soft caramel candies with 0.25 cup of heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. This gooey layer will be pure bliss!
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Spread caramel: Pour the melted caramel over the pressed dough, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic begins—get ready for some serious gooeyness!
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Top with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors and add a gorgeous finishing touch.
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Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and set. The aroma will fill your kitchen—it's pure heaven!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor. Simply follow the first six steps of the recipe, then refrigerate the layered dough and melted caramel separately. When you're ready to bake, simply take them out and let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before proceeding to spread the caramel over the chilled dough and topping with the remaining mixture. This way, you’ll have delicious, freshly baked bars with all that gooey goodness without the rush!
What to Serve with Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
There's nothing quite like indulging in pure sweetness, and these bars beckon for delightful companions to elevate your dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, gooey bars, creating a comforting flavor harmony that’s hard to resist.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over the bars enhances their sweetness and adds a hit of chocolatey goodness, making each bite even more decadent.
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Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the richness of the cookie bars.
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Warm Caramel Drizzle: If you're a caramel lover, a warm drizzle of caramel sauce over your bars will amplify that gooeyness and take your dessert to the next level of indulgence.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pair these delightful cookie bars with a cup of your favorite coffee or a shot of espresso. The bitter notes complement the sweet flavors beautifully, making it an irresistible dessert duo.
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Milk: A classic choice, serving your bars with a tall glass of cold milk provides nostalgia and the perfect creamy texture to wash down the sweetness.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: For a crunchy element, serve alongside chocolate-covered pretzels. The salty-sweet contrast mirrors the flaky sea salt sprinkled on top of the bars.
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Sweet Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet tea can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the bars, making for a satisfying afternoon treat.
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Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It adds an airy lightness that enhances the dessert's gooey nature while inviting a truly indulgent experience.
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delicious cookie bars and explore flavors that excite your palate!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the gooey texture.
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Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a rich, deeper chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
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Oatmeal Crunch: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a chewy texture and a wholesome feel, perfect for a hearty snack.
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Salted Peanut Butter: Swirl in ½ cup of peanut butter into the caramel layer before spreading it on the dough for a peanut buttery twist.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for an unexpected flavor boost that’ll warm you up!
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Crunchy Topping: Crushed pretzels or toffee bits on top before baking add a satisfying crunch and extra layers of flavor.
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Minty Fresh: Infuse 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing mint flavor, especially delightful during the holidays.
How to Store and Freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Fridge: Store these delicious bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and gooey, ready to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime!
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars later, freeze them in a single layer for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they are perfectly gooey again!
Serving: Once thawed, enjoy them slightly warm with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that extra burst of flavor!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture in your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, ensure that your butter is fully melted but not boiling.
- A common mistake is overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- When melting the caramel with cream, use low heat and stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure a silky consistency.
- Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time as ovens may vary; they are done when they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle for that gooey texture you love.
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, I recommend using unsalted butter for these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dessert better, letting the caramel and chocolate flavors shine through. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
How long can I store these cookie bars?
You can store your delicious bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping them in the fridge not only keeps them fresh but enhances the gooeyness, making them even more delightful to enjoy later!
Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the bars cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that perfect gooey texture.
What do I do if my cookie bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out crumbly, a couple of things could be happening. Firstly, make sure you haven't overmixed after adding the flour; gently fold until just combined. Additionally, if they're too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the dough while mixing. This should help bind the ingredients and keep those delicious bars moist and gooey!
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookie bars?
If you are making these bars for someone with dietary restrictions, be sure to check the caramel candies, as they may contain allergens like dairy or gluten. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour but do check the texture as it may vary. Also, if you have pets, keep these bars out of reach as chocolate and caramel can be harmful to dogs.
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then add chocolate chips.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted caramel over the pressed dough, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
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