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

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love! This recipe is pure magic, combining a soft, buttery cookie base with indulgent salted caramel and rich chocolate chips all baked into one irresistible bar. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a chewy, gooey texture that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are a sure-fire way to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, contributing wonderfully to the flavor, texture, and overall decadence of the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love. Each item plays a key role, from the creamy butter to the luscious caramel and melting chocolate chips.

• Salted Butter (1 cup): Adds rich flavor and helps create the soft, moist texture of the cookie base; can substitute with unsalted butter if you prefer less salt.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor.
• Granulated White Sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and adds a slight crispness at the edges of the bars.
• Large Eggs (2): Provide structure and bind all the ingredients together while keeping the bars tender.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Use pure vanilla for the most pronounced, warm aroma that complements the chocolate and caramel.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Heightens all the sweet flavors and enhances the signature salty contrast; reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie bars rise just enough to stay soft and chewy without flattening out.
• All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The foundation that gives these bars their satisfying density; gluten-free flour blends can be used if needed.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 14-ounce can): Adds creamy sweetness and is the base for the caramel filling; no direct substitutes.
• Soft Caramels (10 ounces, unwrapped): Melt into a luscious, gooey layer, or swap with homemade caramel.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Provide pockets of melty chocolate throughout; feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
• Flaked Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top to finish, bringing a delightful crunch and contrast; regular salt can be used but avoid fine grains.

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 and grease it well to ensure the bars release perfectly after baking. This prep step sets the foundation for an effortless baking experience.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully creamy — this is what makes your cookie base so delightfully tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and kosher salt. Lower your mixer speed and continue blending until everything is smoothly incorporated. This step enriches the dough and layers in warmth and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the baking soda and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the bars soft rather than tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Use a spatula to gently fold in two cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ensures every bite has melty chocolate surprise without breaking up the dough’s texture.

Step 6: Press the First Layer

Take about three-quarters of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Creating an even layer will allow the caramel filling to sit beautifully on top.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Filling

On the stove over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels in a saucepan. Stir continuously until the caramel melts completely and the mixture is smooth, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This velvety filling is the star of the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love.

Step 8: Layer the Caramel and Remaining Dough

Pour approximately three-quarters of the caramel over the pressed cookie dough. Then drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer, giving your bars a rustic, delicious look once baked.

Step 9: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the center remains a little soft. This ensures your bars will be delectably gooey and not overdone.

Step 10: Final Touches

While the bars are still warm, sprinkle the top with flaked sea salt. This finishing touch creates a heavenly salty-sweet contrast that defines the Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love experience. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.

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

Garnishes

Once cooled, you can add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation. A sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes on each square right before serving will enhance the gooey salted caramel notes even more.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to amp up the indulgence. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte also complements the rich flavors beautifully, making any snack or dessert moment feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack bars on a decorative platter layered with parchment paper, or cut into bite-sized squares and arrange in mini cupcake liners. You can also layer them in a clear glass jar with festive ribbons for a stunning homemade gift that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bars soft, gooey, and just as delicious as the day they were baked.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain their wonderful texture.

Reheating

Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive that irresistible gooeyness. A brief 5-minute stint in a 300°F oven can also bring back the freshly baked vibe without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! Using unsalted butter will work just fine; simply add a pinch more salt to compensate for flavor balance so your cookie bars still have that perfect sweet-salty harmony.

Is there a substitute for the sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key to the caramel’s creamy texture and sweetness, so there’s no direct substitute. However, you could try making homemade condensed milk if you’re feeling adventurous.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

Look for set edges that are lightly golden and a center that still feels slightly soft but not raw. The bars will firm up more as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them perfectly gooey.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

What’s the best way to cut these bars without making a mess?

Let the bars cool completely to firm up before slicing. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for neat, beautiful squares that showcase each gooey layer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will quickly become a cherished favorite, these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars You’ll Love are your new go-to. They bring together the best of cookie, caramel, and chocolate worlds in one sensational bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be baking these bars again and again to share with everyone special in your life.

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