Easy Caramel Cookie Bars

Let me tell you about a treat that has quickly become a favorite in my household: Easy Caramel Cookie Bars. These delightful bars are the perfect blend of chewy cookie goodness and rich, gooey caramel, making them an irresistible dessert that everyone will love. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here! Just a few pantry staples come together to create a sweet masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.

What I adore most about these Easy Caramel Cookie Bars is how they capture that warm, homey feeling with every bite. The buttery cookie base is topped with a luscious layer of melted caramel that adds that extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick snack, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are the answer. Trust me, once you try making them, you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch time and time again!

Ingredient Notes

When making Easy Caramel Cookie Bars, using the right ingredients is essential for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need, along with some helpful substitutions:

Unsalted Butter: This forms the base of the cookie bars. You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness and moisture. If you want a more caramel-like flavor, you can substitute all or part of the granulated sugar with more brown sugar.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bars their structure. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used as a direct substitute.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel works great, but you can also make your own using sugar, butter, and cream. For a non-dairy option, try using a coconut-based caramel sauce.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate if that’s your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started with these Easy Caramel Cookie Bars. I promise, they’re simple and satisfying!

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Assemble the Bars: Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
Add Caramel: Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the cookie dough layer. You can use a spoon to gently spread it to the edges, but it doesn’t need to be perfect.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the caramel layer. This adds a delightful chocolatey contrast that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
Top with Remaining Dough: Take spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough and drop it over the chocolate chips and caramel. It’s okay if some caramel and chocolate are exposed.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Tips & Suggestions

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Caramel Cookie Bars turn out perfectly each time:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your bars tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Caramel Consistency: If you’re using homemade caramel, ensure it’s not too thick, or it may not spread well. Warm it slightly if needed.
Chill for Easier Cutting: If you find the bars difficult to cut, refrigerating them for a bit can help firm them up, making slicing easier.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor dimension.

Storage

To keep your Easy Caramel Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Now that you have everything you need to make Easy Caramel Cookie Bars, gather your ingredients and enjoy the delightful process of baking these treats. They are sure to impress friends and family alike!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both simple to make and utterly delicious, then the Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a must-try! These bars combine the rich, gooey goodness of caramel with a buttery cookie base, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. I love how quickly they come together, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or a sweet indulgence just for yourself. Each bite is a blissful experience that will leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, and let’s make some Easy Caramel Cookie Bars that will surely impress everyone around you!