Description
Deliciously rich Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars featuring a buttery cookie base layered with smooth melted caramel and studded with chocolate chips. These bars combine gooey caramel sweetness with classic chocolate chip cookie flavors, baked to golden perfection for a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and seasoning agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, creating a light texture.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Incorporate the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, adding them one at a time and mixing thoroughly after each to create a homogenous batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Bake Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan evenly. Bake this base layer for 10 minutes at 350°F, then remove and let it cool slightly to stabilize.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: While the base cools, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Layer Caramel: Evenly pour the melted caramel over the partially baked cookie dough base to create a gooey middle layer.
- Add Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer continuously and gently spread them out to cover the caramel without mixing layers.
- Bake Final Bars: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, ensuring the caramel layer sets and bars firm up before slicing into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Pressing the dough evenly ensures an even bake and smooth caramel layer.
- Be careful not to burn the caramel when melting; microwave in short bursts and stir frequently.
- Letting the bars cool completely prevents them from falling apart when cut.
- You can substitute caramel candies with homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
- For easier cleanup, use parchment paper and lightly grease it if desired.
