Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (480 ml) semisweet chocolate chips; 2 large eggs; 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk; 10 oz (283 g) soft caramels, unwrapped; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp flaked sea salt

Crafting the perfect salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars requires a delightful dance of sweet and salty flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Caramel’s golden richness mingles beautifully with rich chocolate chunks, creating a dessert that beckons from the kitchen.

Layers of buttery dough promise comfort in every single bite.

Soft yet crisp edges give way to gooey centers that melt slowly across your palate.

Sprinkled sea salt crystals add unexpected depth, turning an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these bars will become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

Bake a batch and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delicious anticipation.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and texture provider for the cookie bars.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, soft base for the bars.
Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar's structure.

Chocolate and Caramel Components:

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Add delicious chocolate bursts throughout the cookie bars.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the caramel filling.
Soft Caramels: Melt into a rich, golden caramel layer within the bars.

Flavor Enhancers and Finishing Touches:

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Kosher Salt, Flaked Sea Salt: Provide a balanced flavor and create a sweet-salty contrast.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light texture.

Preparation Helpers:

Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.
Foil: Assists in lifting the bars out of the pan after baking.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with foil.

Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

Grab your electric mixer and blend together:

Softened butter
Light brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

Add in eggs, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly and scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything combines perfectly.

Step 3: Finish Mixing Dough

Lower the mixer speed and slowly add all-purpose flour. Beat until just combined.

Gently fold in semisweet chocolate chips.

Step 4: Layer First Dough Section

Press half of the cookie dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare Caramel Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine:

Sweetened condensed milk
Soft caramels

Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until caramels melt completely and create a smooth mixture. Pour this golden caramel layer over the cookie dough.

Step 6: Add Remaining Dough and Bake

Drop remaining cookie dough in small teaspoon-sized clumps across the caramel layer. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the center sets.

Step 7: Final Touches and Cooling

Immediately sprinkle flaked sea salt over the hot bars. Let them cool completely in the baking dish.

Once cooled, use foil edges to lift out the entire dessert. Slice and serve.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Swap semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate for varied flavor profiles.
Ensure caramels melt completely over low heat to prevent burning or scorching.
Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more consistent cookie dough texture.
Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before cutting to get cleaner, more precise slices.
Try different salt types like Himalayan or fleur de sel for unique taste variations.

Gluten-Free Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Salted Caramel Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute dairy caramel with coconut milk caramel sauce for a plant-based version.
Nutty Chocolate Caramel Bars: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the cookie dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more complex taste profile.
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer, more intense chocolate experience with less sweetness.

A rich, cold glass of salted caramel milkshake perfectly complements the cookie bars' sweet and salty profile, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavor notes.
Serve alongside a smooth espresso or cappuccino with a caramel drizzle, which cuts through the richness and balances the chocolate's intensity.
Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed sweetness and light effervescence will harmonize beautifully with the caramel and chocolate elements.
Enjoy a chilled glass of whole milk or a creamy Irish cream liqueur, which softens the bars' bold flavors and provides a luxurious drinking experience.

Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining fresh texture and flavor.
Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Microwave Reheating: Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make caramel too hard or dry out cookie base.
Room Temperature Revival: Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This helps restore soft, chewy texture and brings out rich caramel and chocolate flavors.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

What if I don't have flaked sea salt?

Regular kosher salt or coarse salt can work as an alternative, though flaked sea salt provides the best texture and visual appeal.

Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer makes the process easier and ensures better mixing, you can use a hand whisk or wooden spoon, though it will require more arm strength and time to cream the butter and sugar properly.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, which can actually enhance the flavor and texture of the bars.

Indulge in Sweet Comfort: Discover a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate chips with gooey caramel, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy any craving.
Simplify Baking Magic: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master, making it an ideal treat for anyone looking to impress without stress.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these cookie bars bring everyone together with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra chocolate chips, different types of salt, or creative toppings, making it a versatile dessert that welcomes kitchen creativity.

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.

Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.