Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter (room temperature); 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 10 ounces soft caramels; 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Published: November 29, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all levels.
Gooey and Delicious: The combination of chocolate chips and salted caramel ensures every bite is rich and satisfying.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply to enjoy at home—these bars fit any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: With 30 servings, you’re sure to impress friends and family with this delicious dessert.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
9×13-inch baking pan
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars blend perfectly, creating a fluffy dough.
9×13-inch baking pan: Provides the ideal size for even baking of your cookie bars.
Medium saucepan: Essential for melting the caramels evenly without burning them.

Ingredients

These ooey gooey bars are so incredible!

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter (at room temperature)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2½ cups all purpose flour
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Layer

One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
10 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped) — this is about 40 caramels
1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and coat liberally with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and both sugars on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Continue mixing until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Turn the speed to low and add the flour until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Press Into Pan

Press three-quarters of the dough into the prepared pan evenly.

Step 4: Melt Caramels

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped caramels. Cook while stirring frequently until melted.

Step 5: Layer Caramel Mixture

Pour three-quarters of the caramel mixture over the dough in the pan. Drop remaining dough in teaspoon-sized amounts on top of the caramel layer. Any leftover caramel can be saved for another use—it’s great over ice cream!

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is just set.

Step 7: Finish With Sea Salt

Sprinkle with flaked sea salt after removing from oven. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, these bars are sure to impress.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm bars, enhancing the salted caramel flavor.

As an Afternoon Snack

Cut into smaller squares, these cookie bars make an excellent pick-me-up during your afternoon slump.

For Special Occasions

Serve these bars on a dessert platter at parties or celebrations for a sweet and salty indulgence.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

For an extra treat, drizzle some leftover caramel sauce over the top before serving.

With Fresh Fruits

Add fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side to balance the sweetness with a tart flavor.

Paired with Coffee

Enjoy these cookie bars alongside your favorite cup of coffee for an ideal dessert break.

To create the ultimate Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, consider these tips for perfecting your recipe.

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter and even baking.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to ensure soft and chewy bars.
Check for doneness: Bake until just set in the center; they will continue to cook while cooling.
Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool ensures easier cutting and better texture.
Add sea salt generously: The flaked sea salt enhances flavors and creates a delicious contrast with sweetness.
Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

When serving Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you may want to complement them with some side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair well together:

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the dessert’s richness.
Cheese Platter: Assorted cheeses like brie or gouda can provide a savory contrast to the sweet bars.
Chocolate Mousse: This light and airy dessert can complement the chewy texture of the cookie bars.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess alongside each bar.
Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola on the side adds texture, making each bite more interesting.
Mini Brownies: For chocolate lovers, mini brownies can be an excellent addition for variety in flavors.
Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake offers another sweet option that complements your dessert table well.
Caramelized Bananas: These sweet bananas add warmth and pair beautifully with both chocolate and caramel flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Using cold butter: Start with room temperature butter for a fluffy texture in your bars.
Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookie bars tender and chewy.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense bars. Too much flour can ruin the texture.
Skipping the cooling time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting; this helps them set properly.
Not checking for doneness: Keep an eye on baking time. The center should be just set but not overbaked.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Heat bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Microwave: Warm one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until heated through.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for several minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be set but still soft.

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition if you enjoy a nutty flavor.

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices. This prevents sticking and tearing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on them while baking.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet and salty flavors. They are easy to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or additional chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy deliciously chewy cookie bars that everyone will love!

Pin2

2 Shares

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe