Okay, let’s talk about dessert. Specifically, we talk of ice cream.Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.What is the best combination of words in English? Are these bars addictive? Imagine your favorite chocolate chip cookie, then imagine it amplified with gooey salted caramel. What’s the best thing about a cookie and cranberry brownie? What is easier to make than a whole batch of fussy cookies? What is my go-to snack when I need a quick treat? I can guarantee these will be gone in a flash, so you might want to hide some for yourself!
What are Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.Are essentially a super-charged, fudgy chocolate chip cookie baked in tin and swirled with melted chocolate. Is it possible to make your own homemade (or store-bought) ) salted caramel. Is it a shortcut to cookie perfection? Is it a giant cookie square? The “salted” part is key. It balances the sweetness of caramel and chocolate, creating this incredible flavor explosion. What keeps you coming back for more? This is not your average cookie; it’s an experience.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, buckle up, because I could go on about these bars forever. What I love most about simple things is how simple they are. What is the best way to throw everything in one bowl, mix it up, swirl in the caramel, and bake. Done. No chilling dough, no complicated techniques. Is it good for those nights when you need something sweet?
Why do I love this?salted caramelIs rich and buttery, perfectly complementing the dark chocolate chips. How does salt cut through the sweetness in the most amazing way. The cookie base is soft and chewy, not cakey.
- Flavor: The balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey is out of this world.
- Simplicity:Is this recipe easy to make?
- Cost-Do you have all the ingredients in your pantry?
- Versatility:What are some great places to hangout at night?
I have tried a lot of cookie bar recipes and this one is special because it uses melted butter. What are some of the best ways to create a chewier texture? I’m obsessed with texture, so this is a huge win for me! I promise you will not regret making these cookies.
How do I make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.Is it easier than you think? What’s the magic of salted caramel? Golden brown and gooey. What’s the best part about it all? How do I get the perfect cookie texture without any fuss? Trust me, you’ve got this!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: How do I get
- I always use good quality unsalted butter. It makes a difference!
- 1 cup granulated sugar. 1 teaspoon
- What is light brown sugar?
- 2 large eggs: Let them come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Is it safe to use pure vanilla extract?
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda. 1 tablespoon baking powder.
- What is 1 teaspoon salt?
- 2 cups chocolate chips: I like a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate.
For the Filling:
- What is a good salted caramel sauce? If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade is amazing, but good quality store-bought works just fine. I like to add a pinch of sea salt to mine, even if it’s store-bought.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal. Is it a lifesaver when you want clean cuts?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps! This ensures uniform distribution of dough.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside. Beat until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the Vanilla Extract. The mixture should be light and fluffy. I always scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you overmix the flour, it will produce a tough bar. Be careful not to over mix! How do you fold in chocolate chips?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you’re using homemade salted caramel, make sure it’s cooled slightly but still pourable. If you’re using store-bought, give it a little whisk to loosen it up.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Half of the cookie dough should be poured into a baking pan and spread evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of salted caramel sauce over the dough. Then, pour the remaining cookie dough over the caramel. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel into the dough. Don’t over-swirl, you want some distinct pockets of caramel!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them! I always rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
How do I cut a bar? If you try to cut them while they are warm, they’ll be too gooey. If you want to drizzle extra caramel over top, now’s the time!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What do you serve as a dessert? Cut into squares and serve. I love serving these with Ice Cream or sea salt.
What to Serve It With
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are delicious all on their own, but here are some ideas for taking them to the next level:
For Breakfast: Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte. The sweetness of the bars is the perfect complement to the bitterness of the coffee.
For Brunch: Serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas. Cut them into smaller squares for easy snacking.
As Dessert: Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt. This is my go-to for a quick and easy dessert that everyone loves.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. These bars are the ultimate comfort food.
My family loves these after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a tradition at this point! Sometimes, I’ll even crumble them over ice cream sundaes for an extra special treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Okay, I’ve made these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars countless times, so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Here’s my best advice for achieving cookie bar perfection:
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is melted but not hot. If it’s too hot, it can cook the eggs and create a greasy texture. Let it cool slightly before adding the sugar.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Don’t over-swirl the caramel! You want some distinct pockets of caramel flavor. A few swirls are all you need.
Ingredient Swaps: You can use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. You can also add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Ovens vary, so they may need more or less time. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Glaze Variations: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle melted chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top of the bars. I’ve tried it with a lemon glaze and it was surprisingly delicious!
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted. The bars were still delicious, but they were definitely saltier! I learned to pay close attention to my ingredients after that. Another time, I didn’t let the bars cool completely before cutting them, and they were a gooey mess. Patience is key!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They may become slightly firmer, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to wait until after they’ve thawed to add any glaze or toppings. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.
I usually make a big batch of these and freeze half for later. They’re perfect for a quick and easy dessert when you’re short on time. I’ve also found that they travel well, so they’re great for potlucks and parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are truly special. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, salty, and chocolatey is simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try! If you love these, you might also enjoy my brownie recipe or my chocolate chip cookie recipe. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you try them, and be sure to rate the recipe if you enjoy it! And if you create any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those too!