Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery cookie crust with rich, creamy caramel topping. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack any time.

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 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 mixture and stir until combined. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it is lightly golden and set.
5. Step 5: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, then sprinkle sea salt on top.
7. Step 7: 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 texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel layer before baking.
• Use salted butter and reduce the sea salt topping if you prefer a milder salty-sweet balance.
• If you like a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the caramel while melting.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For best flavor, allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel candy?

Yes, you can use any soft caramel candies as long as they melt smoothly with the cream. Avoid hard or chewy caramels that may not melt evenly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free caramel cookie bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it is suitable for cookies or bars.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars feature a buttery, tender cookie crust topped with rich, melted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, perfectly balanced for a sweet and salty treat. They’re simple to make, baked to golden perfection, and ideal for sharing or indulging in any time you crave a comforting dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Base

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

Caramel Topping

• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

1. Preparation Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes and ensures a tender crumb.
3. Combine Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until fully combined, forming a dough.
4. Press Dough and Bake Crust: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a uniform base. Place it in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
5. Melt Caramel Mixture: While the crust bakes, melt the soft caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust has baked, pour the smooth caramel mixture evenly over it. Then crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the caramel layer.
7. Final Bake: Sprinkle the 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for best cutting and serving results. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the creaming step to work well.
• If caramel candies are hard to melt, chop them into smaller pieces to facilitate melting.
• Use a sharp knife to cut bars after cooling to get clean edges.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Sea salt adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness but can be omitted for a milder taste.

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

Keywords: Caramel cookie bars, easy dessert bars, caramel dessert, cookie bars recipe, sweet and salty dessert