Description
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining soft cookie dough, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped, about 40 caramels)
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil and coat it liberally with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking soda, and continue mixing until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Press three-quarters of the dough into the prepared pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramels. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour three-quarters of the caramel mixture over the dough in the pan. Drop the remaining dough evenly in teaspoon-sized amounts on top of the caramel. Save any remaining caramel for another use.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the center is just set.
- Sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper instead of foil for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Warm bars in the microwave for an extra gooey texture.
- Try adding nuts or a swirl of peanut butter for variation.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
