The Dreamy Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Sweet magic happens when salted caramel meets chocolate in these irresistible sugar cookie bars.

Layers of rich flavors combine seamlessly for an extraordinary treat.

Crisp edges and gooey centers promise pure dessert bliss.

Chocolate chips melt into soft, buttery dough creating incredible texture.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between salty and sweet sensations.

Crumbly yet moist, these bars will become your new favorite indulgence.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this simple yet impressive dessert.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

• Unsalted Butter: A rich and creamy foundation that provides moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and contribute to the cookie bar's soft consistency.
• Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth, cohesive dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
• Dark Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor and rich dark color to the bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie bars.
• Caramel Coffee Creamer, Milk: Provides additional moisture and subtle caramel undertones to the recipe.
• Coarse Ground Sea Salt: Optional topping that adds a savory contrast to the sweet caramel frosting.

• Salted Caramel Frosting: A sweet and salty topping that complements the chocolate cookie base.

How to Bake Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to 375°F and get your 9×13 baking pan ready by giving it a generous spray of non-stick baking spray. This ensures your delicious bars will glide out smoothly.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Softened unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Caramel coffee creamer or milk

Mix until everything is perfectly combined and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Dark cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into your creamy mixture, stirring until a rich, chocolatey dough forms.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly across your prepared pan, making sure it reaches every corner.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent over-baking – you want these bars to be moist and decadent.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Flourish

Once the bars have cooled completely, lavish them with a layer of Salted Caramel Frosting. For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top.

Slice into 24 tantalizing bars and store in an airtight container to maintain their incredible texture and taste.

Tips to Perfect Your Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

• Adjust baking time carefully to prevent dry bars, checking at 12 minutes for perfect moisture and soft texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent dough quality.
• Opt for high-quality dark cocoa powder for rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Sprinkle sea salt sparingly to balance the sweetness and create a gourmet taste experience.
• Refrigerate bars for firmer consistency if you prefer a denser, more compact treat.

Flavorful Variations of Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, using almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Caramel Chocolate Squares: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Caramel Treat: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping a decadent taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Caramel Bars: Replace milk or coffee creamer with almond milk, use dairy-free butter alternative, and ensure caramel frosting is made with non-dairy ingredients for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Pairing Suggestions for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

• Craft a smooth, boozy cocktail that amplifies the rich chocolate and caramel notes of the sugar cookie bars, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Serve a scoop of creamy, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, gooey bars to balance the intense sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Brew a hot, smooth latte with caramel syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt, echoing the dessert's flavor profile and enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Select a robust, full-bodied red wine with dark chocolate undertones to intensify the rich, complex flavors of the salted caramel chocolate sugar cookie bars.

Storage Advice for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain soft texture.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Keep bars in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture. Room temperature storage works best for short-term preservation.

FAQs

• How do I know if the cookie bars are baked perfectly?

Look for slightly set edges and a soft center. The bars should not be completely firm when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

• Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but dark cocoa powder provides a richer chocolate flavor and deeper color to the cookie bars.

• What if I don't have caramel coffee creamer?

Regular milk works perfectly fine as a substitute. The caramel coffee creamer adds extra flavor, but milk will still produce delicious cookie bars.

• How can I prevent my cookie bars from becoming too dry?

Be careful not to over-mix the dough and avoid baking beyond the recommended 14-15 minutes. Over-mixing and extended baking time can lead to dry, tough cookie bars.

Why Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try

• Conquer Complexity: These bars break down complicated baking steps into simple, approachable instructions perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combining rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt creates a universally appealing treat that delights both kids and adults.
• Versatile Celebration Companion: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual weekend treats with minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Straightforward recipe allows busy home bakers to produce a decadent dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Irresistible salted caramel chocolate sugar cookie bars combine rich chocolate with buttery caramel for a delightful dessert experience. Gooey layers and sprinkled sea salt elevate these bars into a memorable sweet treat that everyone will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
• 2 tbsps caramel coffee creamer (alternative: milk)
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 batch salted caramel frosting
• coarse ground sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
3. Blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and coffee creamer (or milk) into the sugar mixture, stirring until completely integrated and uniform in texture.
4. Sift flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a consistent chocolate dough forms without overmixing.
6. Spread the dough evenly across the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface that will bake uniformly.
7. Bake for 14-15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning, ensuring the bars remain soft and chewy in the center.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely to room temperature, which helps set the texture.
9. Apply salted caramel frosting in a generous, even layer across the cooled surface, covering the entire cookie base.
10. Optional: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the frosted bars to enhance the caramel’s richness and provide a delightful flavor contrast.
11. Cut into 24 individual bars and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and even mixing, preventing lumps in the dough.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bars tender and prevent a tough texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Experiment with different types of caramel creamer or milk to create unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 212 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg