Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

Name: Salted Caramel Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); ¼ cup water (for caramel); ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel); 1 teaspoon salt (for caramel)

Published: November 16, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel and salty notes creates a delightful taste experience.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats without stress.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as an indulgent snack at home.
Make Ahead: These bars store well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for last-minute cravings or events.
Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your cookie bars.
Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a fluffy base for your cookies.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
Granulated sugar: 1 cup
Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed
Large eggs: 2
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon

For the Salted Caramel

Granulated sugar: 1 cup
Water: ¼ cup
Heavy cream: ½ cup
Salt: 1 teaspoon

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inch) with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until dissolved.
Allow it to boil without stirring until it turns amber in color (about 5-7 minutes).
Carefully remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Add in the salt, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour half of the salted caramel over this layer. Then drop spoonfuls of remaining cookie dough on top.
Drizzle with remaining salted caramel sauce.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling completely before cutting into bars.

These Salted Caramel Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite treat! Enjoy every bite!

Salted caramel cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Their rich, sweet flavor pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance the overall experience.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For a double dose of flavor, serve with salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

Mixed Desserts: Combine your salted caramel cookie bars with brownies, cheesecake bites, and fruit tarts for a variety of flavors.
Seasonal Fruits: Fresh strawberries or raspberries can add a refreshing touch to your dessert platter.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

Warm Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top enhances the flavor and presentation.
Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness and depth.

Creating the perfect salted caramel cookie bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure delicious results every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and high-quality chocolate will greatly improve the flavor of your bars.
Chill Before Cutting: Allow your cookie bars to cool completely in the fridge before cutting to achieve clean edges.
Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars. Aim for a golden-brown color.
Experiment with Sea Salt: Adding coarse sea salt on top just before serving elevates the flavors and adds texture.

Pairing side dishes with salted caramel cookie bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options you might consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the dense cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy option alongside these decadent treats.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These offer a rich contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup brings out the flavors in your dessert while providing a cozy touch.
Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts can add crunch and savory notes that pair well with sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Bold measurements: Not measuring ingredients properly can lead to inconsistent results. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
Bold overmixing: Overmixing the dough can make your bars tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
Bold skipping chilling: Chilling the dough helps the bars hold their shape. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Bold incorrect baking time: Baking too long can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are golden brown.
Bold neglecting salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor in salted caramel. Don’t forget to sprinkle it on top before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Salted Caramel Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy warm and gooey!
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Cookie Bars:

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

You can substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option without sacrificing flavor.

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add great texture and flavor.

Look for golden edges; the center may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in every bite. Their chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Try this recipe today and savor these delicious cookie bars!

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Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe