Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature; 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 10 ounces caramel candy squares (unwrapped); 3 tablespoons heavy cream; Fleur de sel (or other sea salt, for sprinkling over caramel and bars)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that combines the rich decadence of a chocolate chip cookie with the gooey, indulgent goodness of caramel, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite obsession. Thick, tender cookie layers sandwich a molten river of buttery caramel, all finished with a glamorous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking a square straight from the fridge, these bars offer the perfect harmony of sweet and salty in every bite — trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each item brings something essential, ensuring the bars bake up with that dreamy balance of chew, crunch, and gooey softness we all love.

All-purpose flour: Lays the foundation for the cookie base, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Gives the bars just the right lift, helping them bake up soft yet sturdy.
Salt: Enhances and sharpens all the delicious flavors throughout the bars.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Brings richness and that unmistakable cookie flavor—using it melted gives you that ultra-soft, chewy texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds a gentle molasses depth and extra chew to the cookie base.
Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and that classic cookie snap around the edges.
Egg: Binds everything together and builds that luscious, dense cookie bite.
Egg yolk: Gives extra moisture and richness—never skip, it’s the secret to extra-soft bars!
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic backbone to all the other flavors.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Each bite bursts with chocolatey pools—use good quality chips for the best results.
Caramel candy squares (unwrapped): Ready-made and oh-so-easy, these melt into that luscious caramel layer.
Heavy cream: Helps turn the caramels into a smooth, pourable filling that stays gooey after baking.
Fleur de sel (or any flaky sea salt): Sprinkled over the caramel and bars, the salt draws out all the best in chocolate and caramel flavors.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over opposite sides to make lifting the bars easy later. This little bit of prep will guarantee your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars come out clean and picture-perfect every time!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Reach for a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly dispersed, so your bars bake up tender—no surprises in texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl (a stand mixer or hand mixer works great here), blend the melted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until fully combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy. This is the secret to that irresistible chewy, bakery-style bar.

Step 4: Combine and Add the Chocolate Chips

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on the lowest speed just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Gently fold in your chocolate chips so every bite of your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is studded with melty pools of chocolate when baked.

Step 5: Melt the Caramel Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the caramels are smoothly melted—this should take about 2 minutes total. It’s irresistibly fragrant and sets the stage for your gooey middle layer.

Step 6: Layer the Bars

Press half the cookie dough into the prepared pan, smoothing into an even layer. Pour the warm caramel over the dough, spreading gently and leaving about a half-inch border untouched to prevent too much oozing. Sprinkle the caramel generously with sea salt, then place dollops of the remaining cookie dough on top. Gently spread the dough to cover the caramel as fully as possible, and finish with another sprinkle of flaky salt for a stunning, flavorful finish.

Step 7: Bake and Set

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the edges will just start to pull away from the pan. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack, then pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes—this sets the caramel layer perfectly, making your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars easy to slice into neat, decadent squares.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Right before serving, add a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt for visual appeal and that satisfying salt crunch. For an extra touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar makes these bars totally irresistible and bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a flavor combination that’s classic and comforting. A cup of coffee or espresso also works beautifully, balancing the sweetness and making each bite even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into big, bold squares for a show-stopping dessert tray or slice them smaller for snacky, bite-sized treats at a party. Stack them on a pedestal cake stand, serve in decorative cupcake liners, or wrap individual bars in wax paper with a twine tie for sweet edible gifts that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any of these bars left over, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and gooey for up to four days — just be sure to layer parchment between bars if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their wonderful flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey treat, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and zap it for 10–15 seconds. The caramel will soften and the chocolate will get deliciously melty—it’s almost like eating them fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candy?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, use it for the filling. Just make sure it’s the soft, chewy type, and allow it to cool slightly before layering so it spreads easily.

Do I have to use semisweet chocolate chips?

Nope—you can personalize your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of chips for more depth. Just keep the total quantity the same for best results.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and double-check that your caramel candies are gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different, but still utterly delicious.

What if I don’t have fleur de sel?

Don’t worry—any flaky sea salt will work beautifully. The key is using flakes rather than fine salt to get that lovely crunch and flavor burst atop your bars.

How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?

Be sure to leave a border around the caramel layer, and don’t skimp on chilling the bars before slicing. This helps the caramel set and stay nestled inside without making a mess.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars—the combination of gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and just the right pop of sea salt is truly unforgettable. Bring a tray to your next gathering or bake a batch just for yourself; after one bite, you’ll understand why these bars are beloved by all who taste them!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent combination of sweet caramel, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These bars are a delightful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper; set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Prepare the cookie dough: Using an electric mixer, combine melted butter and sugars until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
Make the caramel layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels and heavy cream until smooth.
Assemble the bars: Press half of the cookie dough into the pan, layer with caramel, sprinkle with sea salt, and cover with remaining dough. Bake until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate to set the caramel. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American