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Charlotte Cake Mold, 9 Inch Cake Pan Aluminium Kitchen

If you love the rich, gooey taste of chocolate chip cookies and the irresistible sweetness of salted caramel, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will become your new favorite dessert. This recipe blends the chewy texture of classic cookie dough with a luscious caramel filling, enhanced by a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

With easy-to-follow steps and common pantry ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make these bakery-style treats at home. If you love the flavors of caramel and chocolate, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. These bars also make a fantastic homemade gift—just wrap them up in a decorative box or tin and share them with loved ones.

Beyond their delicious taste, these bars offer a wonderful texture contrast. The bottom layer of cookie dough provides a firm, buttery foundation, while the gooey caramel layer in the center adds a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The final cookie layer on top creates a slight crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. The sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile, cutting through the sweetness and making these bars truly irresistible.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can modify it to fit different dietary preferences or personal tastes. Whether you want to make them gluten-free, add nuts, or experiment with different types of chocolate, these bars can be customized to your liking. They also store well, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Filling:

1 cup (240g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own homemade caramel sauce using butter, sugar, and heavy cream. The homemade version has a richer, more complex flavor compared to store-bought caramel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. The parchment paper allows for a smooth transfer of the bars without breaking them apart. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can also use aluminum foil with a light coating of non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent for consistent texture throughout the bars. Be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to prevent adding too much, which can make the bars too dense.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness to the bars, while the granulated sugar helps create a slightly crisp texture on top. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Using melted butter instead of softened butter enhances the chewiness of the cookie bars and helps blend everything together seamlessly.

Step 4: Combine and Add Chocolate Chips

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense instead of soft and chewy. Fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them in the batter. You can also mix in other add-ins at this stage, such as butterscotch chips or chopped nuts, for extra texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The bottom layer acts as a sturdy base for the caramel filling.
Pour the caramel sauce over the dough, then sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, feel free to add an extra 1/4 cup.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and gently spread it to cover. It’s okay if some caramel peeks through—this will create a delicious marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The residual heat will continue to set the bars as they cool.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, cut into 16 squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel over the bars before serving. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-style dessert experience.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an indulgent twist on classic cookies, offering the ultimate sweet-and-salty balance. The chewy texture, gooey caramel center, and chocolatey richness make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, chilled, or frozen for later, these bars never disappoint. Try different variations, store them easily, and enjoy a delightful homemade treat that everyone will love!

Baking at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring that every bite is exactly how you like it. These cookie bars are also perfect for sharing—whether you bring them to a bake sale, serve them at a party, or surprise a friend with a batch, they are sure to be a hit.