Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of cookies with the sweet, gooey goodness of caramel. As I first took a bite of these heavenly bars, I was transported to a world of indulgence where every layer melds together in perfect harmony. The history of caramel dates back to the 17th century, and its evolution into desserts like these cookie bars showcases its timeless appeal. People love Caramel Cookie Bars not only for their irresistible taste and chewy texture but also for their convenience; they are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack at home. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the batter starts to smell amazing!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula. This is the fun part where you can really customize your bars!
Cooking Process
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. I like to use a spatula to make sure its nice and smooth.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. You can use a spoon to create a swirl effect if you like, but it doesnt have to be perfect.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer. It can be a bit tricky, but I find it helps to drop spoonfuls of batter across the surface and then gently spread it out.
- Finally, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the batter. You can use a knife or a toothpick to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
Cooling and Assembling
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into bars later.
- After the initial cooling, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the entire batch out of the pan, which makes this step super easy!
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 24 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
- If you want to add an extra touch, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of the cut bars before serving. It makes them look even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- These caramel cookie bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, bake sales, or just as a sweet treat for yourself and your family.
- They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination thats simply irresistible.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. A few lumps are fine; do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, creating a swirl effect if desired.
- Carefully spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer, using spoonfuls to make it easier.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the batter and swirl it in for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. If using parchment paper, lift the entire batch out of the pan.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles, aiming for about 24 bars.
- For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cut bars before serving.
- These bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or as a sweet treat for yourself and your family.
- They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and a sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful contrast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Caramel Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, gooey caramel paired with the buttery cookie base creates a treat that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at a gathering or a sweet snack to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how your Caramel Cookie Bars turn out and any creative twists you might add. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy baking! Print
Caramel Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for a Sweet Treat
Description
Enjoy these rich Caramel Cookie Bars with a buttery base, gooey caramel, and a mix of chocolate chips and nuts. Perfect for any occasion, they are a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
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