If you’re craving a dessert that combines the gooey richness of caramel with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible treat, this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars are packed with layers of buttery dough, melted chocolate chips, and luscious caramel that meld together perfectly to create a soft yet chewy bite that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or an impressive potluck offering, these bars deliver delight in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward baking the perfect Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that ideal flavor, texture, and appearance that make these bars so special.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base that holds the bars together with just the right chew.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and moisture, giving the bars a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the bars soft.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and provides structure.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that elevates the chocolate and caramel flavors.
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show—melts into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bars.
- 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels: Adds that luscious, chewy caramel layer everyone dreams about.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps melt the caramel smoothly for easy spreading.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the framework for your bars’ tender texture and balanced flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until smooth and silky. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. This blend will create a creamy, flavorful base packed with sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, stirring gently just until combined—no overmixing here to keep the bars tender. Next, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to distribute those chunks of melty chocolate evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel melts completely and is smooth. Pour this luscious caramel layer over the cookie dough, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Dough and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top of the caramel layer, then gently spread or press it to cover as much of the caramel as possible. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the bars turn a beautiful golden brown and are set around the edges. Let them cool completely before slicing to cherish every gooey, caramel-kissed bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
One simple but sensational touch is sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the sweet and salty contrast. For a festive finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These bars stand deliciously on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy experience. A warm cup of coffee or milk complements the rich flavors perfectly for dessert or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and threading them onto skewers alternating with fresh berries for a fun party treat. Serving them on a rustic wooden board alongside assorted nuts and dried fruits also creates a charming dessert display everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend their life, wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag works like a charm. Frozen bars keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive the warm gooeyness, gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them briefly into a preheated oven. This little extra step brings back that fresh-baked magic in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor.
What if I don’t have caramel baking bits?
Chopped soft caramels are a great substitute and will melt nicely to create that gooey layer. Just be sure to microwave with the milk carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s a 1:1 substitute for regular flour to enjoy these bars without gluten.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?
Spreading two-thirds of the dough underneath and a gentle layer on top helps contain the caramel. Press the top dough gently without over-spreading, so the caramel stays nestled inside the bars.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Definitely! Their sweet, smooth caramel and chocolate chip combination is usually a huge hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings or lunchbox treats.
Final Thoughts
There is so much to love about this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe—from the rich, buttery dough to the intoxicating melt of chocolate and caramel layers. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent without being complicated. I can’t wait for you to try baking these bars and experience how easily you can create such a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, combining a rich, buttery cookie base loaded with gooey melted caramel and semisweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked until golden and slightly chewy, these bars make a heavenly dessert or snack for any chocolate and caramel lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the bars.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Form Base Layer: Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to form a smooth layer.
- Melt Caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel baking bits with the tablespoon of milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly for a rich, gooey middle layer.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and gently spread or press to cover most of the caramel, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set but still slightly soft in the middle.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to balance the sweetness.
- Bars can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer storage without loss of flavor.
