Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are craving something irresistibly rich and indulgent, these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are an absolute game-changer. Imagine your favorite chocolate chip cookie transformed into a luscious bar filled with molten salted caramel swirls and studded with melty chocolate chips—every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. They bake up with a tender, chewy texture that is simply heavenly, making these bars an instant favorite for family gatherings, cozy dessert nights, or any time you need a little treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor harmony in your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. From creamy butter to melty caramels, every component is essential.

• Salted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Brings richness and moisture, creating that tender, chewy base we love.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a deep caramel note and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Granulated white sugar (½ cup): Contributes subtle sweetness and crispness to balance textures.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for perfect cookie bar consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Intensifies all the flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and complements the salted caramel beautifully.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft crumb without puffing up too much.
• All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The structure foundation that keeps everything together.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Provide bursts of melty chocolate throughout the bars.
• Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): The base for the caramel layer, adding extra creaminess.
• Soft caramels (10 oz, unwrapped): Melt into gooey ribbons that define the signature salted caramel layers.
• Flaked sea salt (1 tsp): Sprinkled on top for a striking contrast of salty crunch and enhancing all the sweet flavors.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Generously coat the foil with cooking spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Using an electric mixer, blend the room-temperature salted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed. Mix for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy—that’s the secret for soft, tender bars. Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, mixing until everything is silky smooth. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, just until combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for those classic bursts of chocolatey joy.

Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer

Press about three-quarters of the cookie dough firmly into the prepared pan. This will form the sturdy bottom layer that supports the luscious caramel and adds that amazing cookie bar texture.

Step 4: Create the Gooey Salted Caramel Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unwrapped soft caramels. Stir frequently to ensure the caramels melt smoothly and combine into a thick, creamy caramel sauce. Pour about three-quarters of this luscious caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough base in the pan.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Scatter the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer in teaspoon-sized drops. This fragmented topping lets the caramel peek through and creates delightful texture contrasts. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is just set—soft with a gooey heart. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with flaked sea salt for that signature salty crunch and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Patience here pays off with perfect, gooey bars.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

These bars are already a beautiful treat on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra melted caramel can elevate their look and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast that complements the gooey salted caramel and chocolate chips.

Side Dishes

Pair these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries or a cup of strong coffee also complement the sweetness, making every bite even more delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing dessert, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve on a beautiful platter with a small sprinkle of extra flaked sea salt. You can also layer bars with mousse or pudding in a trifle bowl for an eye-catching party dessert. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay deliciously soft and gooey for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or dessert whenever craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to save some bars for later, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their fabulous texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

To warm frozen or leftover bars, simply microwave them for 15–20 seconds or until the bars are warmed through and the caramel is soft again. You can also reheat in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked joy with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel for the filling?

Yes! Soft caramels work best because they melt smoothly, but if you only have caramel squares or homemade caramel sauce, those can also do the trick. Just be sure to adjust the melting time and watch closely to avoid burning.

What if I don’t have flaked sea salt? Can I skip it?

You can skip the flaked sea salt, but it really enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness. If you want a substitute, a light sprinkle of coarse kosher salt will work, but avoid regular table salt as it can be too harsh.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different—still delicious, but a bit more crumbly.

Is it possible to add nuts to the recipe?

Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Stir them in with the chocolate chips or sprinkle some on top before baking.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should look set around the edges with a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted into the middle will come out with moist crumbs but not raw dough. Remember, they firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them gooey.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They bring together everything you love about cookies and caramel in one rich, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion when you want to wow guests or simply indulge yourself. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love bite after bite.

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