Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Craving a dessert that’s both sweet and salty, with a touch of decadence? These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings for rich caramel, gooey chocolate, and a hint of sea salt!

Imagine soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie bars topped with a layer of smooth salted caramel. The combination of the salty caramel and sweet chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

These cookie bars are the ultimate indulgence—perfect for a sweet snack, dessert for gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself. The mix of sweet, salty, and gooey textures will keep you coming back for more!

Ready to bake these irresistible cookie bars? Let’s make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Gooey Texture: These bars have chewy edges and a soft, melty center thanks to the caramel layer.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just basic baking items you likely already have.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for bake sales, potlucks, or after-school snacks.
• Freezer-Friendly: They hold up great in the freezer. Bake now, enjoy later.
• Salt Meets Sweet: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate and caramel in a whole new way.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: Makes about 16 cookie bars. Want smaller bites? Slice into 25 mini squares.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. No mixer required—just a strong spoon and a bit of patience with the caramel.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 small)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula or sturdy spoon
• Small saucepan
• Parchment paper (for easy removal and less cleanup)

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Here’s everything you need to make the bars and the caramel layer. Precise measurements will be in the recipe card later:

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bars, giving them structure.
• Baking Soda & Salt: To help them rise and balance the sweetness.
• Melted Butter: Adds a rich, toasty flavor and helps with the chewy texture.
• Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth, while white sugar sweetens and crisps the edges.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: One full egg plus one yolk gives moisture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Use good quality chips for the best melt.

For the Caramel Filling:

• Caramel Candy Squares: Unwrapped store-bought caramels make it easy.
• Heavy Cream: Thins the caramel to a pourable, smooth consistency.
• Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top to create that perfect salty-sweet contrast.

Variations for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate chunks for a deeper flavor.
• Try Homemade Caramel: If you have time, use homemade salted caramel instead of melted candy for a richer texture.
• Add Espresso Powder: A pinch of instant espresso powder in the dough adds a subtle coffee undertone.
• Top with Flaky Salt After Baking: For more contrast, sprinkle salt on the warm bars right out of the oven.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream over low heat.
Stir constantly until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully blended.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Assemble the Layers

Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Pour the slightly cooled caramel over the base and spread it gently, leaving a small border around the edges.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel, flattening slightly. It doesn’t have to cover every inch—some caramel peeking through is fine.

5. Bake

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the cooled bars for 30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are rich on their own, but you can serve them a few different ways:

• Room Temperature: Slice and serve as-is for chewy, gooey perfection.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Heat a square for 10 seconds and top with vanilla ice cream.
• With Coffee or Milk: A great pairing for an afternoon treat or dessert.

You can also wrap them individually in wax paper and pack them in lunchboxes or gift boxes.

Storing Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Freezer: Freeze the cut bars in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool. Pull them out when the center still looks a bit soft.
• Use Good Caramels: Soft, chewy caramels melt more smoothly than hard ones.
• Let Them Cool Fully: The caramel firms up as the bars rest, making them easier to cut and eat.
• Line the Pan: Always use parchment for easy cleanup and neat slices.

Nutrition Information (Per Bar)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~310 kcal
Carbohydrates	~39 g
Protein	~3 g
Fat	~17 g
Saturated Fat	~10 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sugar	~27 g
Sodium	~160 mg

Note: These values are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Salted Caramel Cookie Bar FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of candy?
Yes, as long as it’s thick enough to stay layered between the dough.

What size pan should I use?
This recipe is designed for a 9×9-inch pan. An 8×8-inch pan will make thicker bars; bake slightly longer.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sweet, chewy, and a little bit salty. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or keeping them all to yourself, they’re simple to make and full of flavor. I love keeping a few tucked away in the freezer for a rainy day treat or late-night craving.