Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These easy caramel cookie bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a luscious caramel layer and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat. Ideal for sharing or savoring on your own, they’re simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

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 (175°C) 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 flour to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until just combined. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
5. Step 5: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
7. Step 7: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, then sprinkle the sea salt on top.
8. Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and 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 flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the caramel while melting.
• Use a touch of coarse sea salt instead of fine for a more pronounced salty crunch.
• Try mixing in chopped nuts on top for added texture and taste.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm bars, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel candy?

Yes, soft caramel candies work best as they melt smoothly, but you can use other caramel types as long as they melt well with the heavy cream.

Is it necessary to let the bars cool completely before cutting?

Letting the bars cool completely helps the caramel set properly, making it easier to cut clean squares without the caramel running.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery cookie base with a luscious caramel layer, topped with a crumbly dough and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Ideal for a simple dessert or snack, they bake quickly and deliver rich, chewy caramel goodness in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Base and Topping

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

Creamy Caramel Layer

• 1 package soft caramel candies, unwrapped individually (about 11 ounces)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

Topping

• 0.5 tsp sea salt, for sprinkling on top

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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. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring gently until fully combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Press Dough for Base: Take about half of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer that will bake into the cookie base.
5. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden and is set. Remove from oven but keep the oven on for the next step.
6. Melt the Caramel Layer: While the crust is baking, melt the unwrapped soft caramel candies with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir consistently until the caramel is completely melted and smooth with no lumps.
7. Build the Bars: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked cookie crust. Then crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the caramel layer to create a crumbly topping.
8. Add Sea Salt and Final Bake: Sprinkle the 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt evenly over the crumb topping. 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 the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. The cooling step helps the caramel set for clean slicing.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
• Using soft caramel candies is key for a smooth caramel layer; avoid hard caramels.
• The sea salt topping enhances the sweet caramel and creates a balanced flavor profile.
• Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent the caramel from oozing out.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel bars, cookie bars, easy dessert, caramel cookie bars, baked bars, sweet snack