These caramel cookie bars are chocolate chip cookie bars with caramel in the middle. They are soft and gooey cookie bars. The caramel is cooked a little longer, so it doesn't melt in the oven.
Caramel cookie bars are a simple bake that really step up your game from basic cookies! The dough is still a simple cookie dough, but the homemade caramel really sets this dessert apart. For caramel lovers this is the best way to bring your cookies to a new level. For any caramel recipes you make, try this Homemade Salted Caramel recipe.
Here is why caramel cookie bars are so good
These delicious cookie bars are filled with a gooey homemade caramel that is SO good. These are the reasons I think everyone needs to try them!
- Homemade caramel: This gooey homemade caramel is very easy to make, but tastes better than anything you could find at a store!
- Easy recipe: This recipe only calls for a simple cookie dough and some caramel that only takes a few simple steps! It is perfect for a fun and easy bake!
- Cookie flavor: Chocolate chip cookies are the most classic fun bake for a reason, because they taste so good! This dessert just takes that same cookie and steps it up a notch with some caramel.
This caramel chocolate chip cookie bar recipe is a fun and easy bake, so you can't lose! You need to try it.
Tips for making caramel cookie bars
Here are my tips, so yours turns out like this recipe!
Salted caramel
- Tip 1: Check out this salted caramel post for in depth instructions for making caramel.
- Tip 2: Cook the caramel for 2 minutes after adding the wet ingredients. This will help make it a thicker caramel and it will not be too runny.
- Tip 3: Adding the flour will ensure it doesn't melt into the cookie dough where you cannot see it. It helps keep that visible layer of caramel when you cut into it.
Chocolate chip cookie bars
- Tip 1: make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. If you stick the measuring cup into the flour to scoop it can compact the flour and give you more than needed. This will make the cookie bars cakey or dry.
- Tip 2: Cool the bars slowly. After baking them the cookie bars will continue to cook as they cool. I tried to speed up the process in testing, but the texture was not right and the caramel melted into the bars. Letting them cool slowly help keep the distinct layers.
Can I use store bought caramel?
While homemade is always better, you can use store bought caramel in this recipe. Pour 1 cup of the caramel into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat it until it is warm, then add the flour. Follow the recipe as normal after that.
How Do You Tell When a Cookie Bar Is Done?
The edges will be golden brown. The center will be slightly underbaked because it will continue to bake as it cools down.
Caramel cookie bar FAQ's
Can I make this in a different pan?
You can make a much thicker cookie bar using an 8X8 pan.
Why is my caramel melted into my cookies?
The caramel may not be cooked enough as it needs to be thicker for this recipe. It could also be that you cooled it too fast or too soon as the extra cook time is needed to keep it from melting in.
Why do you not chill the dough for this recipe?
This recipe does not need to chill because it fills the pan, so it cannot spread too much like a regular cookie.
Why is my caramel clumpy?
Clumps in caramel happens because you did not completely melt all of the sugar crystals initially, or the butter or heavy cream was too cold when it was added making the caramel seize up. You can try returning it to the heat as it can be enough to smooth out the caramel. If this does not work you need to start over.
How can I store the caramel cookie bars?
Store the caramel cookie bars at room temperature in an air-tight container up to 5 days.
Freeze the baked cookie bars in an airtight container and freeze up to 30 days. Thaw for 1-2 hours before eating.
For more caramel dessert recipes, check out my
- Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Caramel Cheesecake
- Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Salted Caramel Brownies
Make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW if you loved this recipe! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.
📖 Recipe
Caramel Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Salted Caramel
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoon Unsalted butter room temperature and cubed
- ½ cup Heavy cream room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- â…“ cup All-purpose flour sifted
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ cup Unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup Brown sugar packed light or dark
- â…“ cup White granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 2 Large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips plus more to top the bars
- â…“ cup Mini chocolate chips plus more to top the bars
Instructions
Salted Caramel
- Pull out all of your ingredients. Make sure the butter and cream are room temperature, if it is too cold the caramel will clump up.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add in the sugar. Let the sugar melt completely. Use a whisk to mix the sugar to make sure all the sugar crystals melt. I let the sugar sit until it starts to melt before mixing.1 cup White granulated sugar
- Once all the sugar is melted, let it sit for less than 30 seconds until it turns amber in color. This process goes so fast and it is easy to burn it.
- Remove from heat, add in the butter and mix using a whisk. It will be bubbly. Add in half of the cream and mix. It will bubble and steam. Then, add the rest of the cream and the vanilla and salt.4 tablespoon Unsalted butter, ½ cup Heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Return the pot to the heat. Continuously mix for 2 minutes to thicken the caramel. Remove from heat and add in the flour. Mix well, so there is no flour lumps remaining.â…“ cup All-purpose flour
- Set aside while you make the cookie dough.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 9X9-inch pan with baking spray. Line the bottom and 2 sides of the pan with parchment paper and spray again.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.2 cups All-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon Baking soda, ½ teaspoon Salt
- In a large bowl, add in melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Use a whisk to mix well.¾ cup Unsalted butter, ¾ cup Brown sugar, ⅓ cup White granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract, 2 Large eggs
- Add in the dry ingredients and use a baking rubber spatula to mix the flour into the dough. Add in the chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips and mix in.1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips, â…“ cup Mini chocolate chips
- Pour â…”rds of the dough into the pan, and spread evenly.
- Bake for 9 minutes. Place the remaining cookie dough in the fridge while it bakes
- Pour the caramel on top of the baked cookie dough. Spread the caramel evenly. Leave 1 inch on the edges free from caramel.
- Take small amount of cookie dough and place dollops of cookie dough on top of the caramel. Top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Place the hot pan on a cooling rack and let it cool completely before removing the cookie bars from the pan.
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