Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery, chewy cookies and rich, gooey caramel with these Easy Caramel Cookie Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are simple to make and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 14 ounces Store-Bought Caramels
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or Milk)
- Optional: 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips or Sea Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If adding chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pre-bake the base for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
- While the base is pre-baking, unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Once the cookie base is pre-baked, pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over it.
- Crumble the remaining one-third of the cookie dough over the caramel layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: For best results, do not overbake the cookie base and allow ample cooling time for clean cuts. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.