Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars featuring a buttery, soft cookie base layered with luscious melted caramel and studded with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy nuts. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these dessert bars combine gooey caramel and chocolate in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (melted with 2 tablespoons heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for your bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Layer Dough and Caramel: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the dough layer, carefully spreading it to cover completely.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough atop the caramel layer and gently spread or pat it down to cover most of the caramel, leaving some textured spots for a rustic look.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares for clean slices and best texture.
Notes
- For easier spreading of the dough over the caramel, lightly wet your hands or spatula.
- You can substitute store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramel bits with heavy cream for convenience.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
