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Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of rich chocolate chips and buttery caramel, layered between a soft, chewy cookie base with a delightful sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. Perfect as a decadent dessert or a sweet snack, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and gooey textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins and Toppings

  • 1.5 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup thick caramel sauce
  • Flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (approximately 9×13 inches) with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing the dough.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring an even distribution without breaking the chips.
  7. Assemble Layers: Spread about half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the thick caramel sauce evenly over the dough layer. Then carefully spread the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer to create a two-layer effect.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown while the center remains soft and gooey.
  9. Finish and Cool: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • For clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to maintain neat edges.
  • You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel or dulce de leche.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Optional: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Keywords: salted caramel, chocolate chip, cookie bars, dessert bars, caramel chocolate, gooey cookie bars

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/gooey-salted-caramel-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars-recipe/