Description
These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are rich, gooey, and loaded with layers of caramel and chocolate chips. With a soft, chewy cookie base and a luscious caramel center, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
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- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Optional: sea salt flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Assemble the Layers: Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the heavy cream until smooth, then pour the caramel mixture over the cookie layer.
- Add the Top Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, spreading gently to cover most of the caramel.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center will still look a little gooey but will set as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment paper. For an optional touch, sprinkle with sea salt flakes before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For an extra caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars after baking.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.