Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistible Tips

Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistible Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

September 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Let me tell you, these salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are an absolute game-changer! Imagine biting into a warm, chewy bar that’s bursting with rich chocolate flavor and that delightful sprinkle of saltiness from the caramel. It’s a sweet and salty match made in heaven, and trust me, they’ll disappear in no time at your next gathering! The texture is perfectly chewy, and the gooey caramel just takes it to another level. Honestly, every bite is like a hug for your taste buds!

Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to whip up for friends, a dessert to impress at a potluck, or just a little something to enjoy with your coffee, these bars are it! Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you’ll feel like a baking rockstar even if you’re just starting out. So, let’s get baking and create some magic in the kitchen!

salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these irresistible salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars. I always love having my ingredients prepped and ready to go, so let’s dive in!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the base of your bars, creating that rich, buttery flavor.
1 cup brown sugar, packed – Make sure to pack it down for that delicious caramel-like sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just a touch to balance the flavors and add some sweetness.
2 large eggs – They’ll help bind everything together and give it that lovely texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Trust me, don’t skip this! It adds a warm, inviting flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour – This is what gives the bars their structure, so use the standard measure.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Essential for that perfect rise and chewiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips – Go for semi-sweet or dark, whatever your heart desires!
1 cup caramel sauce – The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s a must.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt – For that finishing touch of salty goodness on top.

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake something truly special! The smells alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen.

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to jump into the exciting part—making these mouthwatering salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a sturdy wooden spoon works too! You want to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It should look pale and creamy, and you’ll know it’s ready when you can’t see any granules of sugar left.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined. You’re looking for that smooth and glossy texture—this is what makes your cookie bars so rich and delightful!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is key! Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda gets evenly distributed, leading to perfectly risen bars. Trust me; it’s worth the extra bowl!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to combine those wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars nice and chewy!

Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. I can’t stress this enough: fold gently! You want to keep those chips intact for maximum melty goodness in every bite.

Layer the Dough and Caramel

Now for the fun part! Spread half of the dough evenly in a greased baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch pan). Next, drizzle that luscious caramel sauce all over the dough. Then, take the remaining dough and dollop it over the caramel, spreading it out as best you can. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it’ll all meld together in the oven! Finally, sprinkle that sea salt on top to finish it off.

Bake and Cool

Pop your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, I promise! Once they’re out of the oven, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting them. This waiting game is essential—cooling helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to cut. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s talk about how to make these salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars even more incredible! Here are my favorite tips to ensure you achieve baking perfection every single time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates that perfect texture!
Swap the Sugars: For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light. It adds a rich molasses taste that complements the caramel beautifully.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch, or swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so pulling them out of the oven when they’re just golden around the edges will give you the best chewy texture.
Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into them too soon! Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan helps them set properly and prevents them from crumbling apart.
Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer! Just thaw overnight before digging in again.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to cookie bar greatness! Each bite will be a little piece of heaven, and you’ll be the star of any dessert table.

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of these delightful salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 30mg

These bars are a sweet indulgence, but they’re also packed with that gooey goodness you crave! Enjoy them as a treat, and don’t forget to share (or keep them all to yourself, no judgment here!).

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind to reduce the added salt in the recipe a little, since salted butter will add some extra flavor. It’ll still taste amazing!

How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them! Just make sure to let them thaw overnight before enjoying.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for caramel sauce?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use dulce de leche or even a chocolate ganache for a different twist. Just remember, caramel is the star here, so it’s best to stick with something similarly sticky and sweet!

Why did my bars turn out cakey?
Oh no! If your bars are cakey instead of chewy, it might be because they were overmixed or overbaked. Be gentle when mixing your dough and keep an eye on the baking time. They should be golden around the edges and set in the center, but not overdone!

I hope these answers help you create the most delicious salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just about 45 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for a last-minute treat!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet chocolate chips and gooey caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Texture: With their chewy texture and soft center, these bars are just the right amount of satisfying, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile Serving: Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a lunchbox treat, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they fit any occasion beautifully!
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made ahead of time, and they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate, to make these bars truly your own!

Once you try these salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars, I promise you’ll be hooked! They’re a sweet treat that keeps giving, and they’ll definitely become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to maintaining their chewy texture and gooey flavor, so here’s what I do:

Once your bars have completely cooled (don’t rush this part!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, and trust me, they taste even better as the flavors meld together!

If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out. They’ll last in the fridge for up to two weeks. And if you’ve got leftovers that you won’t finish anytime soon, feel free to freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to two months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge. If you want to bring back that fresh-baked warmth, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the chocolate chips all melty again, and the caramel will get that gooey goodness back!

So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or reheating them, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy snacking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.