Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery cookie base with a rich, gooey caramel layer for a delightful treat. Perfect for sharing or indulging anytime, they offer a sweet and slightly salty bite that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and stir until combined; press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it is lightly golden and set.
5. Step 5: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top, then sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer before baking.
• You can substitute sea salt with flaky Maldon salt for a more delicate salty crunch.
• If you prefer a softer topping, reduce the final baking time by a few minutes and monitor closely.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer the caramel warm and gooey.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional sea salt sprinkled on top to avoid an overly salty taste.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These bars hold up well and can be made a day in advance. Just store them tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 124 reviews

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery cookie crust topped with smooth caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars combine sweet and salty flavors, creating an irresistible dessert that’s simple to make for any occasion.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar

Caramel Topping

• 1 package soft caramel candies (approximately 14 ounces, unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Preparation Steps: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir with a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the Base Layer: Press about half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, ensuring there are no thin spots.
5. Bake Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from oven.
6. Melt Caramel Mixture: While the crust is baking, melt the soft caramel candies together with the heavy cream over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble Bars: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Then, crumble the remaining dough over the top of the caramel layer to create a textured topping. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top.
8. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and caramel is bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

• Make sure to unwrap the caramel candies before melting to ensure even melting.
• For easier removal, you can line the baking pan with parchment paper before pressing in the dough.
• Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts and prevent caramel oozing.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, easy dessert, caramel dessert bars, homemade cookie bars, salted caramel bars, sweet and salty dessert