Name: Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (can substitute with unsalted butter for less salt); 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed); ½ cup Granulated White Sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for more intensity); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoons if using table salt); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 2½ cups All-Purpose Flour (swap with a gluten-free flour blend if needed); 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate); 1 14-ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk (no direct substitute available); 10 ounces Soft Caramels (unwrapped; homemade caramel works as a substitute); 1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt (regular salt can be used, but avoid coarse salt)

Ingredients

1 cup Salted Butter (can substitute with unsalted butter for less salt)

1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)

½ cup Granulated White Sugar

2 Large Eggs

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (opt for pure vanilla for more intensity)

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

2½ cups All-Purpose Flour (swap with a gluten-free flour blend if needed)

1 14-ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk (no direct substitute available)

10 ounces Soft Caramels (unwrapped; homemade caramel works as a substitute)

2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (feel free to swap with dark or milk chocolate)

1 teaspoon Flaked Sea Salt (regular salt can be used, but avoid coarse salt)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and greasing it thoroughly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed until smooth and completely blended.

Step 4: Gradually add baking soda and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated, taking care not to overmix the dough.

Step 5: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently using a spatula.

Step 6: Press about three-quarters of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.

Step 7: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and soft caramels. Stir continuously until the caramels melt completely and the mixture is smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 8: Pour approximately three-quarters of the caramel mixture evenly over the pressed cookie dough layer in the pan.

Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, distributing them evenly.

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft.

Step 11: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt evenly across the top while the bars are still warm.

Step 12: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out the foil and cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

Use unsalted butter and adjust salt to your preference for a milder salted caramel flavor.

Try bittersweet or milk chocolate chips to change the chocolate intensity.

For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of equal measure.

Homemade caramel can replace store-bought soft caramels for a personalized touch.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter. Just reduce the kosher salt slightly or adjust the salt added to taste to maintain the right balance.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key for the caramel layer’s texture and sweetness, so there is no direct substitute. Making homemade sweetened condensed milk is an option if you prefer.