Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. This delightful treat combines rich chocolate flavor with smooth salted caramel, making it both sophisticated and comforting. Perfect for sharing or indulging any time.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 batch salted caramel frosting
• Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick baking spray, ensuring even coverage.
2. Step 2: Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer to the butter mixture. Beat well until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Step 6: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands.
7. Step 7: Bake for 14 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; the bars should be set but still soft.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before spreading the salted caramel frosting evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the frosting for a finishing touch and extra flavor contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use caramel coffee creamer for extra flavor or substitute with regular milk for a milder taste.
• For a richer chocolate experience, add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the bars hold their shape better.
• Try a cream cheese frosting swirled with caramel for a creamy variation.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating refrigerated or frozen bars, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of caramel coffee creamer?

Yes, regular milk works fine if you prefer a subtler caramel flavor. The bars will still be moist and delicious.

How do I make salted caramel frosting?

Salted caramel frosting is typically made by blending softened butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and spreadable. You can find many easy recipes online to complement these bars perfectly.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these irresistible Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. This delightful dessert combines rich dark cocoa, buttery sugar cookie base, and a smooth salted caramel frosting, garnished with coarse sea salt for an elegant and comforting treat perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting and Garnish

• 1 Batch Salted Caramel Frosting (recipe not included)
• Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray ensuring even coverage for easy removal of the cookie bars.
2. Create the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk) to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and free of lumps.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
6. Shape and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface to ensure an even thickness. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, being careful not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
7. Cool and Frost: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the salted caramel frosting evenly over the top, then sprinkle with coarse ground sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.

Notes

• Be careful not to overbake the cookie bars to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
• If caramel coffee creamer is unavailable, use regular milk with a teaspoon of caramel syrup as a substitute.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Adjust the amount of sea salt garnish to taste for desired saltiness.

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

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Sugar Cookie Bars, Dessert, Baking, Sweet and Salty