Print

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a perfect combination of chewy cookie dough and gooey caramel, delivering a rich, buttery, and slightly salty treat. Quick to prepare and customizable with nuts or chocolate chips, these bars are ideal for both casual snacking and sharing at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Caramel Layer

  • 14 ounces (about 40) caramel squares or soft caramels

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk), optional
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal and clean slices after baking.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt (if using). Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender.
  4. Assemble the Bars: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Place caramel squares evenly over the dough, pressing them lightly into the base. Sprinkle optional chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Cover with the remaining cookie dough, gently flattening it to seal in the caramel layer.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few soft crumbs.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into squares. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bars.
  • Ensure caramel squares are evenly spaced and pressed lightly to provide a consistent gooey center.
  • Choose high-quality caramels for superior melting and flavor.
  • Test bars a few minutes early if you prefer a softer texture to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, gooey caramel bars, easy caramel bars, dessert bars, caramel dessert, quick baking bars

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/easy-caramel-cookie-bars-recipe/