Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Homemade Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Combining a chewy cookie base loaded with chocolate chips and a luscious layer of homemade salted caramel, this recipe offers a decadent treat that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert to share or a delicious way to treat yourself, these cookie bars are sure to satisfy.
Benefits
This recipe not only promises a delicious indulgence but also incorporates the joy of baking at home, which can be a therapeutic activity. The use of basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter means you’re able to control what goes into your desserts, avoiding preservatives found in store-bought sweets. Plus, the combination of chocolate and caramel provides a rich source of antioxidants and mood-enhancing compounds.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per bar
Servings: 12
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the cookie base is baking, make the caramel by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once sugar is completely melted, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly drizzle in heavy cream while stirring. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
- Allow cookie base to cool slightly, then pour the warm salted caramel over the top. Let set until firm.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Potassium: 75 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Vitamin A: 10% of RDA
- Vitamin C: 0.2%
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1.1 mg
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars as they are, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. These bars are best enjoyed slightly warmed, allowing the caramel layer to soften for the ultimate gooey experience.
Conclusion
Homemade Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a testament to the magic of home baking. From their rich flavor to their satisfying texture, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of the kitchen into every bite. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought caramel? Yes, store-bought caramel can be used for convenience, though homemade provides a richer flavor.
- How long do these bars keep? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for 10 days.
- Can I freeze these cookie bars? Absolutely! Freeze them for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the caramel? For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk, though the caramel will be less rich.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Homemade Recipe
Description
Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Homemade Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Combining a chewy cookie base loaded with chocolate chips and a luscious layer of homemade salted caramel, this recipe offers a decadent treat that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a special dessert to share or a delicious way to treat yourself, these cookie bars are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the cookie base is baking, make the caramel by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once sugar is completely melted, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly drizzle in heavy cream while stirring. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
- Allow cookie base to cool slightly, then pour the warm salted caramel over the top. Let set until firm.
- Slice into bars and serve.
