If you are craving a truly decadent treat that combines the goodness of chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate chips, and luscious caramel, then this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture golden, buttery bars layered with gooey, melted caramel and studded with melting chocolate chips—each bite is a delicious harmony of textures and flavors that’s impossible to resist. These bars are perfect for sharing at a party, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in a cozy moment at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite sweet treat to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential to creating those perfect Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery cookie base to the sweet caramel layer, contributing to irresistible taste, texture, and that beautiful golden color.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewy texture for the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise slightly for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crisp on the edges.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel flavor and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and fragrance to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while keeping the bars tender.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite decadent.
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped: The star ingredient for that gooey, sweet heart.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps melt the caramel smoothly for the perfect layer.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns creamy and smooth—this step is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a cohesive dough. Finally, gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet until just mixed, then fold in those irresistible chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake the Base Layer
Press half of the prepared cookie dough firmly into the lined baking pan, creating an even layer. This forms the sturdy but tender base for your bars. Bake this layer for 10 minutes—you want it just set but still soft—to provide the perfect foundation for the caramel layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
While the base cools slightly, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval, until the caramel is smooth, glossy, and pourable. This luscious caramel will meld perfectly with the cookie layers, giving your bars that signature gooey goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Finish Baking
Pour the melted caramel evenly over the slightly cooled cookie base, spreading it gently to cover all corners. Then, dot spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer—try to cover the caramel as much as you can without mixing the two layers. Gently spread the dough using a spatula to create a somewhat even top layer, but don’t overwork it; some caramel might peek through, which is just perfect. Bake the entire assembly for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a beautiful golden brown and set.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, it’s important to let the bars cool completely in the pan. This allows the caramel to firm up slightly so the bars hold together well when sliced. After cooling, cut into 16 generous squares, and get ready to enjoy a wonderful mix of chewy, gooey, and chocolaty bliss.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For that next-level wow factor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to balance the sweetness with a hint of savory crunch. You could also dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over them to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the sweet and buttery notes wonderfully, making it a decadent yet comforting treat break.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, present the bars on a wooden board with assorted nuts and fresh berries arranged around to add color and freshness. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside other small sweets for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture and keeps the caramel layer perfectly gooey.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. The caramel will soften again, and the chocolate chips will melt slightly, making each bite irresistible. Avoid overheating to keep the bars from becoming too soft or greasy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?
Yes, you can substitute caramel candies with a good quality store-bought caramel sauce, but be careful with the quantity and texture. Use about 3/4 cup of sauce and skip adding heavy cream. The candies help create a thicker, more stable layer, so the texture may vary slightly.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips provide a nice balance of sweetness with a slight bitterness that pairs well with caramel, but feel free to use milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to hold the bars together well, and keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
To make a vegan version, replace butter with a vegan butter alternative, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel candies. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it still makes a delicious treat.
How do I prevent the caramel layer from leaking out?
Make sure to bake the base layer first and let it cool slightly before adding the caramel on top, which helps it set well. Pressing the second layer of dough gently over the caramel creates a barrier that keeps it mostly contained during the final bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and indulgent about this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe that makes it an absolute joy to bake and share. Combining chewy cookie dough, melty chocolate chips, and rich caramel into one bar is pure magic that delights every time. I hope you find as much happiness in making and savoring these bars as I do. Go ahead, bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars that combine soft, chewy cookie dough with a luscious layer of melted caramel and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for an indulgent treat or sharing at gatherings, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and gooey texture baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, indicating the sugars have been well incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to help create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake this base layer for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly to prepare for the caramel layer.
- Melt Caramel Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies with heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Caramel on Base: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the partially baked cookie dough layer, spreading carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, then gently spread it out to cover as much of the caramel as possible.
- Bake Until Golden: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the layers set firmly before cutting into 16 squares to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie dough texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges on the bars.
- If you prefer a saltier contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before topping with dough.
- Let bars cool fully; cutting too soon may cause the caramel to be too gooey and bars to fall apart.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
