Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Style:
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and caramel. It’s the kind of pairing that instantly melts in your mouth, wrapping you in a comforting, sweet embrace. Now, imagine that layered between soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough—a golden, buttery base hugging a rich, gooey caramel center. That’s exactly what these Easy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deliver.
They’re thick, soft, and packed with melty chocolate chips, but the real showstopper is that luscious caramel layer in the middle. It’s just the right amount of sticky and sweet, making each bite an indulgent treat. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just pure cookie bar bliss.
Perfect for bake sales, parties, or just satisfying that sweet tooth craving, these bars are dangerously addictive. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Recipe Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
These Easy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take your classic chocolate chip cookie and kick it up a notch with a thick, gooey caramel filling. The cookie dough is soft and chewy, packed with buttery richness and loads of chocolate chips. But the real magic happens when you sandwich a sweet, velvety caramel layer between two layers of dough—it melts into every bite, making these bars completely irresistible.
The secret? A quick caramel filling made from caramel candies and heavy cream—so easy, but so decadent. These bars bake up golden brown with gooey centers, creating a soft-meets-chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. Simple, satisfying, and completely drool-worthy!
Exciting Story:
I still remember the first time I made these cookie bars. It was a random Tuesday, and I was craving something extra indulgent but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had a bag of chocolate chips, a handful of caramel candies, and a wild idea—why not layer them together into one epic dessert?
The moment I pulled them out of the oven, I knew I had struck gold. The edges were perfectly crisp, the center was gooey and soft, and the caramel? It oozed out in the most beautiful way. My husband took one bite, and his eyes lit up. “You HAVE to make these again,” he said, before reaching for another. Now, these bars are a household favorite—and let’s be honest, they disappear way too fast every time!
Why These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a Must-Try
🍪 The Ultimate Sweet & Gooey Treat!
✔ Soft & chewy cookie dough with melty chocolate chips
✔ A rich caramel center that stays perfectly gooey
✔ Super easy to make—no mixer required!
✔ Perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and chocolatey flavors
✔ A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Tips for the Best Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
✔ Use melted butter – Keeps the bars extra chewy.
✔ Don’t overmix the dough – This keeps the texture soft and tender.
✔ Let them cool completely – The caramel needs time to set, making them easier to slice.
✔ Add a pinch of sea salt on top – Enhances the caramel flavor beautifully!
✔ Use parchment paper – Makes it easier to lift and slice the bars.
Substitutions and Variations
🔹 Salted Caramel Version – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet & salty combo.
🔹 Nutty Twist – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
🔹 Double Chocolate – Swap ½ cup flour for cocoa powder for a chocolate base.
🔹 Peanut Butter Caramel Bars – Add ½ cup peanut butter to the caramel mixture.
Make a Healthier Version
✅ Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar – A more natural sweetener.
✅ Swap half the flour for almond flour – Lowers the carbs while keeping them chewy.
✅ Use dark chocolate chips – Less sugar, more antioxidants!
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
And there you have it—the ultimate Easy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, packed with buttery cookie dough, rich caramel, and melty chocolate. These bars are thick, chewy, and ridiculously good, making them the perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.
Whether you eat them warm with a scoop of ice cream or straight from the pan, these bars never disappoint. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and bake up a batch today!
Relevant Categories:
- Desserts
- Cookies & Bars
- Holiday Treats
- Easy Baking Recipes
Tags:
- Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe
- Easy Dessert Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Best Bar Recipes
🍪 Who’s ready for a gooey caramel treat? Let’s bake! 🤎✨
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Easy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Description
These Easy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars take your classic chocolate chip cookie and kick it up a notch with a thick, gooey caramel filling.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramel candies (about 35 caramels, unwrapped)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, but adds a great balance!)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Stir in the salt (if using).
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer, gently spreading it out (don’t worry if some caramel peeks through!).
Step 4: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps the caramel set up!
