Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery cookie base with a smooth caramel layer and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Perfect for a simple dessert or a sweet snack, they come together quickly and satisfy any caramel lover’s cravings.

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 all-purpose 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 frequently until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top of the caramel layer, then sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough before baking.
• Use a mix of sea salt and flaky salt to give a more interesting texture on top.
• Substitute the caramel candies with homemade caramel sauce for a richer taste.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent spreading.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the sea salt sprinkled on top to avoid an overly salty result.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning while melting?

Heat the caramel candies slowly over low heat and stir constantly to ensure they melt evenly and don’t burn.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make caramel cookie bars featuring a buttery crust topped with smooth caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust and Topping

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

For the Caramel Layer

• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually, approximately 14 ounces)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your 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, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Make the Crust: Add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture and stir with a spatula or spoon until fully combined into a dough. Press half of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming the base layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes or until it turns lightly golden and is set. Remove from oven.
5. Melt Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the unwrapped caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble Layers: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the caramel layer, creating a crumbly topping. Then sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top to add a salty contrast.
7. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and set.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the caramel cookie bars from oven and let cool completely in the pan at room temperature before cutting into bars for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Unwrapping the caramel candies individually helps them melt evenly and prevents clumping.
• Sprinkling sea salt on top balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
• Cool bars completely before cutting to avoid messy slices.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

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

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, easy caramel bars, caramel dessert, caramel cookie recipe, caramel bars