Caramel Cookie Bars

Caramel Cookie Bars strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a delightful layer of gooey caramel that takes these cookie bars to another level. The rich texture paired with semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures every bite is a little piece of heaven. Picture this: you’ve just come home after a long day, and the aroma of baked goods wafts through the air. That’s the magic of these bars—their warm, inviting scent welcomes you, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.

This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or family who appreciate the sweet things in life. If you’re a fan of cookies, chocolate, and caramel, you’re in for a treat! These bars are so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself craving excuses to make them time and again. Trust me; once you experience the delight of these Caramel Cookie Bars, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

How to Make Caramel Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhanging to help with easy removal later.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the ¾ cup of room temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.

4. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until mostly combined. Avoid over-mixing; it’s okay if there are some flour streaks left.

6. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1 ¼ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips using a silicone spatula until uniformly incorporated.

7. Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt the 32 unwrapped caramel squares and 8 tablespoons of butter together, stirring constantly. It may look like it’s separating at first, but keep whisking until it joins together into a smooth mixture. Let it cool for about 5 minutes to avoid melting your cookie dough.

8. Prepare the Base: Take about 2/3 of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the lined baking pan. Make sure to come up the sides slightly to hold the caramel in place.

9. Layer the Caramel: Pour the cooled caramel evenly over the cookie dough base, spreading it out to cover all the edges.

10. Add Remaining Cookie Dough: Drop flattened bits of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. Start from the edges, pressing some dough into the sides, then fill in the middle gently to create an even layer.

11. Bake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to brown slightly.

12. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment overhang to lift out the bars. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Caramel Cookie Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you need to refrigerate them, a sealed container will do just fine, enhancing their chewy texture. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature; if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

These bars are a wholesome treat that anyone can enjoy. The combination of flavors and textures truly makes every bite special. With simple ingredients and steps, there’s no reason not to indulge in these delightful treats. Let your culinary creativity shine through as you make this recipe your own!

Recipe FAQs

Caramel Cookie Bars

Recipe Author: Grace

These Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat with a chewy texture and a rich flavor that everyone will love. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are perfect for any occasion!

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• Prep Time 45 minutes
• Cook Time 20 minutes
• Yield 12 bars 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup (112g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup (52g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (211g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 32 unwrapped Kraft caramel squares
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixer bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture and mix until mostly combined, being careful not to over mix.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips to form a uniform cookie dough.

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Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.