These bars will ruin you for all other bars. They are the perfect combination of buttery chocolate chip cookie and rich caramel! 😋😋 Imagine biting into a bar that has the delightful chewiness of a chocolate chip cookie paired with the luscious gooeyness of caramel. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel are a decadent treat that is incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of creating these heavenly bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 1½ cups (300g) brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that complements the caramel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and moisture.
- 2¼ cups (282g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become slightly chewy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels: Add rich, chocolatey goodness to the bars.
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 5 ounces evaporated milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the caramel.
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits or wrapped caramels: Provide the rich, gooey caramel layer. Be sure to unwrap the caramels if using wrapped ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×12 or 9×13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the bars lighter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Morsels: Stir in the chocolate morsels by hand or mix them in with the hand-held mixer until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it forms an even layer. Set the remaining dough aside.
- Bake the Base Layer: Bake the base layer for 10 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the caramel sauce.
Making the Caramel Sauce
- Melt Caramels: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk and caramel bits. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assembling the Bars
- Add Caramel Sauce: Carefully remove the partially baked cookie bars from the oven and place them on a heat-safe surface. Pour the caramel sauce over the bars, making sure to spread it evenly and cover every nook and cranny.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Flatten small portions of the remaining cookie dough and place them over the hot caramel. It’s okay if some caramel shows through.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cookie dough is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before cutting them into squares. This helps the caramel set and makes them easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more indulgent:
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the bars warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
- Drizzle with Extra Caramel: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each bar for a light and airy contrast to the rich bars.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and evenly into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the bars tough.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bars during the second bake. The edges should be golden brown, and the caramel should be bubbling, but don’t overbake or they may become too hard once cooled.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out for cutting.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Bars: Add a cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Salted Caramel Bars: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top cookie dough for a sweet and salty combination.
- Double Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate morsels for a richer chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one bar):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Baking
Baking these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel is not just about making a dessert; it’s about creating a moment of joy and indulgence. The process of mixing the dough, melting the caramels, and watching the bars bake to perfection is both therapeutic and rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply delightful and will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of buttery, chewy chocolate chip cookie and rich, gooey caramel is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these bars are sure to impress.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The result is a decadent, delicious dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious bars, and savor every sweet, caramel-filled bite. Happy baking!
These bars will ruin you for all other bars. They are the perfect combination of buttery chocolate chip cookie and rich caramel! 😋😋 Imagine biting into a bar that has the delightful chewiness of a chocolate chip cookie paired with the luscious gooeyness of caramel. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel are a decadent treat that is incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of creating these heavenly bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 1½ cups (300g) brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that complements the caramel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and moisture.
- 2¼ cups (282g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become slightly chewy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels: Add rich, chocolatey goodness to the bars.
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 5 ounces evaporated milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the caramel.
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits or wrapped caramels: Provide the rich, gooey caramel layer. Be sure to unwrap the caramels if using wrapped ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×12 or 9×13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the bars lighter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Morsels: Stir in the chocolate morsels by hand or mix them in with the hand-held mixer until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it forms an even layer. Set the remaining dough aside.
- Bake the Base Layer: Bake the base layer for 10 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the caramel sauce.
Making the Caramel Sauce
- Melt Caramels: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk and caramel bits. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assembling the Bars
- Add Caramel Sauce: Carefully remove the partially baked cookie bars from the oven and place them on a heat-safe surface. Pour the caramel sauce over the bars, making sure to spread it evenly and cover every nook and cranny.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Flatten small portions of the remaining cookie dough and place them over the hot caramel. It’s okay if some caramel shows through.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cookie dough is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before cutting them into squares. This helps the caramel set and makes them easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more indulgent:
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the bars warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
- Drizzle with Extra Caramel: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each bar for a light and airy contrast to the rich bars.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and evenly into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can make the bars tough.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bars during the second bake. The edges should be golden brown, and the caramel should be bubbling, but don’t overbake or they may become too hard once cooled.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out for cutting.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Bars: Add a cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Salted Caramel Bars: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top cookie dough for a sweet and salty combination.
- Double Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate morsels for a richer chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief nutritional breakdown per serving (based on an approximate serving size of one bar):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
The Joy of Baking
Baking these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel is not just about making a dessert; it’s about creating a moment of joy and indulgence. The process of mixing the dough, melting the caramels, and watching the bars bake to perfection is both therapeutic and rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply delightful and will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Caramel are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of buttery, chewy chocolate chip cookie and rich, gooey caramel is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, these bars are sure to impress.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The result is a decadent, delicious dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious bars, and savor every sweet, caramel-filled bite. Happy baking!