Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that loves a perfect balance of rich flavors and a delightful crunch, let me introduce you to Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars combine buttery sugar cookie dough with luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips, drizzled in smooth caramel sauce and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes that elevate every bite. The result is a heavenly treat that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make — the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, cozy nights, or anytime you crave something special with a perfect salty-sweet twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards these delectable cookie bars, and luckily, they’re simple staples that you probably already have in your pantry. Each one brings something magical to the table, from creamy butter creating a tender base to the spark of sea salt flakes that balance all the sweetness.

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s perfectly softened but not melted.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that desirable sugar cookie texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together while adding moisture and softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor notes that enhance the overall taste.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of your cookie bars with just the right amount of chew.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a subtle lift for a lighter texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully throughout for pockets of rich chocolate bliss.
• 1 cup caramel sauce: The star ingredient that adds gooey, buttery decadence on top.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes: Sprinkled on for that irresistible salted finish that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars don’t stick and lift out easily once cooled. This foundation step sets you up for success with perfectly shaped bars every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, resulting in a tender texture for the cookie bars that almost melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is fully combined and smooth, creating a richly flavored dough base that’s ready to embrace the dry ingredients next.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together. This ensures even distribution so your cookie bars bake uniformly with no unexpected salty or leavening pockets.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the bars tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it down into an even layer using your hands or a spatula. An even base is key to ensuring all the gooey toppings bake beautifully and that each bar slices nicely.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Caramel

Scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the pressed dough, gently pressing them in so they meld with the cookie during baking. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the chocolate layer for that signature gooey, buttery flavor.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sea Salt and Bake

Top everything off with sea salt flakes evenly sprinkled across the surface. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. The salt crystal crunch combined with warm caramel and melted chocolate is what makes these Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars truly unforgettable.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, giving the caramel time to firm up. Once cooled, slice into squares and prepare to enjoy every salty-sweet bite.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle additional sea salt flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the bars before serving. A few chocolate shavings on top or a quick drizzle of warm caramel sauce can also make them look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert combo. For something refreshing, a cup of hot coffee or a creamy latte complements the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars on a wooden board alongside fresh berries or sliced fruits for a beautiful contrast in color and freshness. You can also cut them into petite squares for party platters or gift them wrapped in parchment paper tied with a pretty string for a homemade treat that wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They maintain a wonderfully chewy texture and the salted caramel remains perfectly luscious.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back the gooey chocolate and caramel melting magic like they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is possible, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness.

Is there a vegan version of these cookie bars?

Yes, you can substitute vegan butter, use a flax egg in place of the regular egg, and make sure the caramel sauce and chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep it plant-based.

Can I substitute the caramel sauce with something else?

If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, dulce de leche or a thick butterscotch sauce work nicely as an alternative while maintaining that rich gooey texture.

How thick should the cookie bars be before baking?

Press the dough evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness in the pan. This helps ensure the bars bake through without becoming too crumbly or undercooked.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your other ingredients like baking powder are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent yet straightforward, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are absolutely the way to go. Their harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavor will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite to share with friends and family — or simply savor as your own delicious little secret.

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