Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert when you want something rich, soft, and irresistibly gooey. These bars combine buttery cookie dough, plenty of chocolate chips, and a thick layer of melted caramel for a treat that feels both comforting and indulgent. They are easy to prepare, baked in one pan, and ideal for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or family get-togethers. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but want something even more decadent, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort and consistently delicious results.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are incredibly soft with lightly golden edges and a gooey caramel center that stays tender even after cooling. They are easier than scooping individual cookies, making them perfect for busy days or last minute desserts. One pan makes plenty of servings, which is great for parties or bake sales. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a rich, bakery-style dessert that tastes homemade and comforting every time.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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3 cups all purpose flour
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3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Filling
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1 bag 10.8 ounces Werther’s Originals Chewy Caramels, unwrapped
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⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
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1 tablespoon all purpose flour
Step-by-Step How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, leaving overhang on the sides, and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
Add the baking soda and salt, stirring again so everything is evenly distributed. Gradually mix in the flour just until the dough comes together. Gently stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly mixed throughout the dough.
Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer using your hands or a spatula.
To prepare the caramel filling, place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. You may also melt the caramels in a saucepan over medium low heat.
Stir the tablespoon of flour into the melted caramel to help thicken it. Pour the caramel evenly over the cookie dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
Take small portions of the remaining cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and place them over the caramel layer. It is fine if some caramel shows through.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set. Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them from the pan and slicing.
Helpful Tips
For neat slices, let the bars cool fully and refrigerate them briefly before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft and gooey. Using foil with overhang makes removal easy and keeps the bars looking clean and professional.
Substitutions And Variations
You can swap semi sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Add flaky sea salt on top after baking for a sweet and salty twist. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add extra texture. For a deeper flavor, try mixing a teaspoon of espresso powder into the dough.
Storage Instructions
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If the caramel becomes too soft, refrigerate them. They can also be frozen for up to two months when wrapped individually and stored in a freezer safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
These Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars are a rich dessert made with butter, sugar, chocolate chips, and caramel. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.
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Calories: 300
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Sugar: 28g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Cholesterol: 45mg
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Sodium: 220mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookie bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert. They also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, making them perfect for both casual snacks and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars
Can I make Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes. These bars can be made one day in advance and stored in an airtight container. The flavor and texture hold up very well.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps keep the caramel firm.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of wrapped caramels?
Yes, but the caramel should be thick enough to set during baking. Thin caramel sauces may soak into the cookie layers.
How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?
Leave a small border around the edges when spreading the caramel and seal the top dough pieces gently at the edges.
Can these cookie bars be frozen?
Yes. Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for making these Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars. This recipe is one of my favorites because it is easy to prepare yet delivers incredible flavor and texture every single time. I hope these bars bring a little extra joy to your kitchen and become a go to dessert for celebrations or simple sweet cravings. Enjoy every gooey bite, happy baking, and thank you for being part of this food loving community.
Print
Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and gooey Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars layered with melty chocolate chips and rich caramel. An easy one pan dessert perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all purpose flour
3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Filling
1 bag 10.8 ounces chewy caramels, unwrapped
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, leaving overhang on the sides, and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- Add the baking soda and salt, stirring again so everything is evenly distributed. Gradually mix in the flour just until the dough comes together. Gently stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly mixed throughout the dough.
- Spread half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it into an even layer using your hands or a spatula.
- To prepare the caramel filling, place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. You may also melt the caramels in a saucepan over medium low heat.
- Stir the tablespoon of flour into the melted caramel to help thicken it. Pour the caramel evenly over the cookie dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Take small portions of the remaining cookie dough, flatten them slightly, and place them over the caramel layer. It is fine if some caramel shows through.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set. Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them from the pan and slicing.
Notes
Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and gooey.
Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Milk or dark chocolate chips can be used instead of semi sweet.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American