Name: Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional); Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Sink your teeth into pure bliss with these Caramel Cookie Bars: a dreamy concoction of chewy cookie layers, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate in every bite. They’re the kind of sweet treat that draws a small crowd as soon as you pull the pan from the oven. Whether you’re craving something comforting for a cozy night in, or looking to wow guests with a show-stopping dessert, these caramel-loaded bars are a guaranteed hit. If you love that heavenly combo of salty-sweet, you’re about to fall hard for this beloved recipe.

Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Caramel Cookie Bars couldn’t be simpler, and the magic all starts with a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient has its own special job, from delivering melt-in-your-mouth richness to creating those perfectly golden edges.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of all great cookie bars—adds richness and keeps things fabulously chewy.
Light brown sugar (2 cups, packed): Loads the bars with deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes every bite extra indulgent.
Large eggs (2): Help bind the dough together and give the bars their distinctive soft, sturdy texture.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Complements the caramel, adding aromatic warmth and rounding out the flavors.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides just the right amount of structure, so your bars hold their irresistible layers.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Lends a touch of lift, ensuring a tender, chewy crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and lets every other flavor shine.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Bring pools of chocolatey goodness, perfectly offsetting the sweet caramel.
Caramel sauce (1 cup): The star of the show! Use the best store-bought or homemade you can—this is what gives Caramel Cookie Bars their swoon-worthy gooeyness.
Chopped pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Add a nutty crunch and a hint of toastiness that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): One sprinkle and you unlock a whole new dimension of sweet-salty satisfaction!

How to Make Caramel Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or, for easy lifting later, line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the bars from sticking and gives you perfectly cut squares every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creaming step not only creates irresistible tenderness but also gives that golden, bakery-worthy texture we all crave in Caramel Cookie Bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything smells luscious and the batter is silky-smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps the leavening and salt distribute evenly—no lumps, no surprises. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Their little bursts of chocolate balance out the caramel and add texture throughout the bars.

Step 6: Build the Layers

Spread about two-thirds of the dough into your prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Drizzle the caramel sauce right over the dough, making sure it reaches the corners—don’t be shy! Scatter the chopped pecans on top if you like things a little nutty.

Step 7: Add the Top Layer

Drop the rest of the dough in spoonfuls over the caramel and pecans. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch—the caramel bubbling through is part of the charm! Gently spread the dough with a spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute it as much as possible.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the top is deeply golden and set, remove the bars from the oven. Cool them completely in the pan—this is key for those beautiful, clean cuts—then slice into squares. For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt!

How to Serve Caramel Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress your Caramel Cookie Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra chocolate chips, or a final drizzle of caramel for added flair. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving can make those flavors dance!

Side Dishes

Pair these rich, chewy bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving them at a gathering, set out bowls of fresh berries or tangy citrus fruit—the bright, tart notes balance the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Caramel Cookie Bars on a pretty platter lined with parchment for a rustic, irresistible display. For special occasions, try wrapping individual bars in wax paper and tying them with twine for charming, portable treats. You can even cut them into mini squares and tuck them into cookie gift boxes for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Caramel Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their chewy perfection for up to 3 months—ideal for stashing away treats for surprise cravings or easy entertaining.

Reheating

Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness. If you’re reheating several, pop them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their lovably soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works perfectly in Caramel Cookie Bars, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel sauce will give you next-level depth and richness.

Are there nut-free options?

Yes! Simply leave out the pecans or swap them for more chocolate chips. The bars are just as delicious without nuts and still impressively gooey.

Can I make Caramel Cookie Bars gluten-free?

You can! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for extra peace of mind.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this sets the layers and helps the caramel firm up. Use a sharp knife, rinsing and wiping it clean between cuts, for bakery-perfect squares every time.

Can I double this recipe?

Of course! If you’re baking for a crowd, simply double all the ingredients and use two pans. The bars freeze well, so you can make ahead and stock up for parties or busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to win some hearts, don’t hesitate to bake up a batch of these irresistible Caramel Cookie Bars. Every bar is a little celebration—a mix of chewy, gooey, salty, and sweet that’s sure to earn you rave reviews. Share them with friends, tuck them in lunchboxes, or savor one with your favorite coffee—just don’t expect them to last long!

Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Caramel Cookie Bars that perfectly blend the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans in every bite. These easy-to-make bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Topping:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix dough: Cream butter and brown sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately and mix into wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
Layer and bake: Spread two-thirds of the dough in the pan, top with caramel sauce and pecans, then drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.