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

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Why You’ll Love Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible allure of salted caramel. They’re simple to make, require no mixer, and yield thick, chewy squares that look as good as they taste. The caramel layer creates a luscious, gooey center while sea salt flakes add the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Pour caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie layer. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set.
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting and cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: Approximately 330 kcal per bar

Variations

Nutty Caramel Bars: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for a crunchy texture.
Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Bars: Swirl 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the caramel layer for a sweet and salty upgrade.
Espresso Caramel Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor.
White Chocolate & Caramel Bars: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to restore that gooey texture. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

FAQs

How do I make sure the bars stay gooey and soft?

Don’t overbake. The bars should still look slightly underdone when removed from the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce enhances the flavor and texture, but any thick caramel sauce will work.

What can I use if I don’t have sea salt flakes?

Use a light sprinkle of kosher salt instead. Avoid table salt, as it can make the bars too salty.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 30–35 minutes.

Why is my caramel layer too runny?

Your caramel sauce might be too thin. Use a thicker caramel or cook your homemade version a bit longer for better consistency.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to two days in advance and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.

How do I cut clean squares without making a mess?

Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dough to balance flavors.

Can I use other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?

Yes, try toffee bits, butterscotch chips, or crushed pretzels for fun variations.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the parchment paper?

Spray the parchment with a light coating of nonstick spray before layering the dough and caramel.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence—chewy, buttery, and filled with sweet and salty perfection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something decadent, these bars are guaranteed to impress every dessert lover.

Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars