Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate dessert to satisfy every craving, look no further than these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love. Imagine soft, buttery cookie dough layered with rich, velvety caramel and studded with melty chocolate chips, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. These bars are not just delicious—they bring that perfect combination of chewy, gooey, salty, and sweet in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to become one of your favorite treats ever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list here; these are simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s the buttery richness, the luscious caramel layer, or the chocolatey goodness that ties it all together.

• 1 cup Salted Butter: Provides the rich, creamy fat base and enhances flavor; you can swap with unsalted and add a pinch more salt if you prefer.
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor thanks to its molasses content.
• ½ cup Granulated White Sugar: Ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and crisp texture in the cookie bar base.
• 2 Large Eggs: Bind everything together while giving structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla intensifies the overall flavor experience.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors; reduce slightly if using table salt.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps with lightness and spread of the cookie dough.
• 2½ cups All-Purpose Flour: The structure of your bars—can be swapped with gluten-free blends if needed.
• 1 14-ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates the gooey, rich caramel filling; no substitute for this exact texture.
• 10 ounces Soft Caramels: Adds vibrant, buttery sweetness; homemade caramel also works splendidly.
• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into pockets of chocolate bliss throughout the bars.
• 1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt: A finishing touch that gives that perfect salty crunch atop the bars.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then grease it generously. This prep helps with easy removal and ensures your bars don’t stick or break apart when you slice them.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough Base

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the salted butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—it should take around two minutes. This process is key to creating that tender, chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Salt

Mix in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt, blending on low speed until the batter is smooth and full of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the baking soda and all-purpose flour into the wet mix. Stir just until everything is combined; overmixing can make your bars tough, and we want that perfect soft bite.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute chocolate pockets throughout your dough without breaking them down too much.

Step 6: Press the Dough and Add Caramel

Reserve about one-quarter of your dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid cookie base. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels, stirring continuously for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and gooey.

Step 7: Layer the Caramel and Dough Topping

Pour three-quarters of the caramel mixture over the pressed cookie base. Then drop spoonfuls of the reserved cookie dough on top, gently spreading it out to create a rustic, textured layer that will brown beautifully as it bakes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are fully set but the center remains slightly soft and luscious. Immediately after pulling the pan from the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt over the top to add that signature salty finish.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures the caramel sets properly and the bars hold together beautifully when cut into squares.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love

Garnishes

A light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can elevate these bars even further. For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top—it’s pure indulgence!

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or pair with a hot cup of coffee or rich milk for the ultimate cozy treat. They’re also fantastic with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic, comforting snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at parties or arrange them on a pretty platter dusted with cocoa powder for a chic dessert table centerpiece. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days while maintaining their ooey-gooey charm and chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked warm feeling, pop a bar in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. The chocolate and caramel soften irresistibly, giving you the same gooey deliciousness as straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt—about ¼ teaspoon—to keep the balance of flavors just right in your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love.

What if I don’t have soft caramels on hand?

Homemade caramel sauce is a wonderful substitute. Just make sure it’s thick and smooth so it creates that luscious gooey layer between the cookie dough layers.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor and gooeyness will still delight.

Do I need to pre-bake the cookie dough base before adding caramel?

While not required, pre-baking the base for about 8 to 10 minutes can help prevent the caramel from making the bottom too soft, resulting in a more sturdy bar.

How long do these bars last once baked?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your bars will taste best within three days. Beyond that, they may lose their signature gooey texture but will still be tasty!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love—each bite brings together simplicity and indulgence in the most delightful way. If you’re ready to treat yourself (and everyone you share with), this recipe is a must-try that won’t disappoint. So grab your ingredients, summon your inner baker, and prepare to fall in love with these irresistible bars!

Print