Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

There are desserts, and then there are showstoppers — and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars definitely belong in the latter category. Imagine the best chocolate chip cookie you’ve ever had: golden edges, chewy centers, buttery sweetness. Now imagine layering that with ribbons of gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt that makes every bite perfectly balanced. These bars are everything you love about cookies, elevated into something decadently rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a bake sale, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make — no mixer required, no fancy techniques, just classic ingredients working their magic. One bite and you’ll understand why these salted caramel cookie bars disappear faster than you can cut them.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Sweet and salty perfection — every bite is the ideal mix of buttery cookie, rich caramel, and sea salt.
• Easy to make — no mixer, no chilling, and only one pan to bake in.
• Soft and chewy texture — melted butter and brown sugar create the perfect dense, moist cookie base.
• A crowd favorite — they travel well, slice beautifully, and impress at any event.
• Customizable — you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or add nuts for extra crunch.

These bars are the kind of dessert that people ask you for the recipe after tasting — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted — melted butter creates a chewy, fudgy cookie texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed — adds caramel notes and moisture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar — balances the sweetness and helps achieve that classic cookie flavor.
• 2 large eggs — for structure and richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — enhances the overall flavor.
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour — provides the perfect structure for the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda — helps them rise just enough while keeping them chewy.
• ½ teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate and caramel.
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips — melty, rich, and classic.
• 1 cup caramel sauce — homemade or store-bought, thick enough to spread without running.
• Flaky sea salt — a finishing touch that makes the flavors pop.

Tip: Choose a high-quality caramel sauce that’s thick and buttery — too thin and it will sink into the dough instead of forming a distinct layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This step is essential for clean, even slices.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. The mixture should look thick and slightly caramel-colored.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will look rich and silky.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing — you want to maintain that soft, chewy texture.

4. Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll want plenty of chocolate in every bite.

5. Layer the Dough and Caramel

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your fingertips to press it into the corners. The layer should be smooth and even.

Next, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent caramel from seeping out while baking. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer — this will enhance the sweetness and add that signature salted caramel flavor.

6. Add the Top Layer

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if some caramel peeks through — it will bubble up beautifully during baking and create that gooey, marbled effect.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. A toothpick inserted into the cookie portion (not the caramel) should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Tip: Avoid overbaking — the bars will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.

8. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for clean slicing — cutting too soon can cause the caramel to ooze. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares or rectangles. Sprinkle a few extra flakes of sea salt over the top for a finishing touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving suggestions: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. They also make a fantastic potluck dessert or edible gift.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Tip: For extra gooey caramel, warm the bars slightly before serving — the caramel melts just enough for that bakery-style texture.

Helpful Notes

• Caramel consistency: If your caramel sauce is too thin, chill it briefly before layering to keep it from sinking into the dough.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble before baking.
• Add-ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and complement the caramel flavor.
• Flavor boost: For extra depth, sprinkle a small pinch of espresso powder into the dough — it enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Presentation: Drizzle additional caramel or melted chocolate on top before serving for a bakery-worthy finish.

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Caramel Bars: Use dark chocolate chips and a darker caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Bars: Swirl ¼ cup peanut butter into the caramel before layering for a sweet, nutty twist.
• Salted Toffee Bars: Add crushed toffee bits to the dough for an extra layer of crunch.
• Oatmeal Caramel Bars: Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier, chewier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes! If you have a favorite homemade caramel sauce recipe, it works perfectly here. Just make sure it’s thick enough to layer without running.

2. Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

Not necessarily. They keep well at room temperature for several days, but refrigeration extends freshness.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Double the ingredients and use a large sheet pan for big batches — ideal for parties or holidays.

4. Why did my bars turn out hard?

Overbaking or overmixing the dough can make the bars tough. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the center is just set.

5. Can I add more salt?

If you love that salty-sweet flavor, sprinkle extra sea salt over the top right after baking.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. The chewy texture of the cookie layers, the molten ribbons of caramel, and the sparkle of sea salt make them a true showstopper dessert. They’re decadent without being overly complicated — the kind of recipe you can whip up for any occasion and know it will impress.

From bake sales to birthdays, these bars are guaranteed to be the first dessert to disappear from the table. Their combination of buttery richness, gooey caramel, and deep chocolate flavor captures everything we love about homemade baking. So the next time you’re craving comfort with a touch of elegance, bake a batch of these salted caramel cookie bars — and be prepared for the compliments that follow!