Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Isabella

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Indulge in these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, where soft and chewy cookie bars meet decadent salted caramel and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these rich dessert bars will satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup caramel sauce

1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Directions:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Combine the Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Layer the Cookie Dough: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.

Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel sauce over the partially baked cookie layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for that perfect salty-sweet balance.

Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover.

Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.

Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Serving Tips:

Cutting the Bars: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This helps them set up better and makes them easier to slice.

Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a decorative platter. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a few sea salt flakes for visual appeal.

Pairing: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Serving Size: Each bar is quite rich, so consider cutting them into smaller pieces if serving a larger group. You can also offer them alongside other desserts for a sweet dessert spread.

Storage Tips:

Cooling Completely: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

Airtight Container: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Avoid Stacking: If you need to stack the bars in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

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FAQs:

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe! It saves time and still provides that delicious gooey texture. Just ensure you choose a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.

How can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients, such as chocolate chips and caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even other mix-ins like toffee bits or shredded coconut. Just be cautious not to add too many, as it might affect the texture of the bars.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover cookie bars?

To reheat leftover bars, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore the gooeyness of the caramel and chocolate chips.

Conclusion:

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends. With their rich, gooey layers and satisfying texture, they are perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will love!

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