Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (532 ml) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (165 grams) packed brown sugar; 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup (110 grams) packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweet dreams come true when salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars arrive on your dessert plate.

Rich chocolate melts into gooey caramel swirls, creating a decadent symphony of flavors.

Layers of buttery goodness promise an irresistible treat that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

Crisp edges and soft centers blend perfectly in this indulgent creation.

Home bakers can master this simple yet luxurious recipe with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with the most addictive cookie bar you’ll ever experience.

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This is where the magic starts happening!

Step 4: Egg And Vanilla Dance

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to boost the flavor profile.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

Gently fold in chocolate chips.

Step 6: Create Caramel Magic

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

Sweetened condensed milk
Brown sugar
Butter
Corn syrup

Stir constantly for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a beautiful caramel color.

Step 7: Final Caramel Touch

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.

Let the caramel cool down slightly.

Step 8: Build The Base Layer

Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan.

Spread the caramel filling evenly over this layer.

Step 9: Top It Off

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel.

Spread it gently to cover most of the caramel layer.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden and the edges look set.

Step 11: Cool And Slice

Pull the pan out of the oven and sprinkle some extra sea salt on top.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting into delicious squares.

Select high-quality chocolate chips and real butter for richer, more intense flavor in your bars.
Stir caramel mixture continuously and watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a smooth, golden-brown texture.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of cookie bars.
Sprinkle extra sea salt on top after baking to enhance the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors, creating a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts and prevent crumbling.

Bar Combos Worth Trying

Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the rich, gooey texture of the original bars.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the decadent caramel flavor.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the classic salted caramel profile.

Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve these decadent bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the rich, warm cookie layers.
Coffee Break Indulgence: Pair these salted caramel chocolate chip bars with a steaming espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and enhance the deep chocolate flavor.
Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade gift that will make friends and family swoon with appreciation.
Brunch Showstopper: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange on a elegant platter for a stunning dessert centerpiece at weekend brunches or potluck gatherings.

Store cooled salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Preheat oven to 300F, place bars on baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through.
Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap in milk, dark, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Mix and match for a unique flavor.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is done when it turns a rich golden-brown color and thickens slightly. It should take about 10-12 minutes of constant stirring.

Is corn syrup necessary for the caramel?

No, corn syrup is optional. It helps prevent crystallization, but you can skip it without significantly affecting the caramel’s texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose one that’s suitable for baking.

Create Irresistible Layers: Dive into a decadent dessert with multiple flavor-packed layers of cookie dough and luxurious caramel that make every bite a delightful experience.
Master Gourmet Technique: Craft a sophisticated treat that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, with simple steps that elevate your home baking skills.
Perfect for Sweet Sharers: Designed to feed a crowd, these bars are ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and family celebrations where everyone can enjoy a delicious slice of happiness.
Customize with Ease: Swap chocolate chips, adjust salt levels, or experiment with different toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its incredible core flavor profile.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and creates a soft, chewy texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.

Sweeteners and Fats:

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and contribute to the rich, caramel-like flavor of the bars.
Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a tender cookie base.

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel.
Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the bars.

Caramel Filling Ingredients:

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy caramel base.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like flavor to the filling.
Corn Syrup: Helps create a smooth, glossy caramel texture.
Sea Salt: Provides a contrasting salty note to the sweet caramel.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.