Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine rich chocolate flavor with a luscious salted caramel frosting for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special dessert, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty in every bite.

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: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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.
7. Step 7: Bake for 14-15 minutes, making sure not to overbake. The bars should be set but still soft in the center.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before spreading with salted caramel frosting.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the frosted bars for garnish. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use caramel coffee creamer for added depth of flavor, or substitute with milk for a milder caramel taste.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the bars before cutting.
• Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Leftover bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and add frosting just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bars without the salted caramel frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own as chocolate caramel sugar cookie bars. The frosting adds extra sweetness and richness, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler treat.

What can I use if I don’t have caramel coffee creamer?

You can substitute with regular milk or any other flavored creamer you have on hand. The bars will still be tasty, though the caramel flavor will be less pronounced.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars blend rich dark cocoa with buttery sugar cookie dough, topped with a luscious salted caramel frosting and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat. Ideal for dessert lovers seeking a decadent yet easy-to-make bar cookie.

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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

Frosting & Garnish

• 1 Batch Salted Caramel Frosting
• Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick.
2. Create the Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk) until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully until a soft, uniform dough forms with no dry spots.
6. Shape and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan, smoothing to create a level surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes, making sure not to overbake so the bars remain soft and chewy.
7. Cool and Frost: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the batch of salted caramel frosting evenly over the bars, then sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the top for a perfect finishing touch.

Notes

• Use caramel coffee creamer or milk interchangeably depending on the flavor preference.
• Check bars at 14 minutes to avoid overbaking as ovens may vary.
• The salted caramel frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before spreading.
• Coarse sea salt adds a nice texture contrast and enhances the salted caramel flavor.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

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

Keywords: Salted caramel, chocolate sugar cookie bars, dessert bars, chocolate cookie bars, salted caramel frosting, easy dessert, cookie bars recipe