If you are craving a rich, gooey, and delightfully indulgent treat, this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine buttery cookie dough meeting pockets of melted caramel and bursts of melty chocolate chips, all baked to golden perfection in one easy-to-make pan. These bars strike the perfect balance between chewy, sweet, and slightly gooey, making them the ultimate dessert to share with friends or savor during a cozy night in. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on how simple ingredients come together in a way that feels absolutely decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of the Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe. Each one is straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor—from the tender cookie base to the luscious caramel topping.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for soft, chewy bites.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and moisture for a tender dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Gives a crisp, sweet note to the cookie layers.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses the bars with deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts every flavor, tying everything together with warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients while adding richness and softness.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Melted pockets of chocolate that create irresistible gooey bites.
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped: The star ingredient that melts into a luscious, sticky layer.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps smooth out the caramel for a perfectly creamy texture.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal later and helps the bars bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt—these dry ingredients give the dough its structure and subtle lift.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your bars their lovely light texture. Next, add the vanilla extract for warmth and the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is combined perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing here can toughen the dough, so be gentle. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips carefully to distribute them evenly throughout your dough, preparing for those decadent chocolate pockets.
Step 4: Bake the Bottom Layer
Press half of your cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Bake this in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it’s starting to set but not fully browned. Let it cool slightly, as this step creates a firm foundation that will hold the caramel beautifully.
Step 5: Melt the Caramel Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is silky smooth. This luscious caramel layer will be poured over the baked cookie base, adding that irresistible gooey texture we’re all after.
Step 6: Assemble and Top the Bars
Pour the melted caramel evenly over the warm cookie base, spreading it gently for an even layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel, using a spatula to spread it lightly so it covers most of the surface. The uneven top will bake into beautifully golden peaks that are visually inviting.
Step 7: Final Bake
Bake your assembled bars for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and cooked through. This final bake melds the layers together and ensures every bite delivers soft dough with melted chocolate and sticky caramel surprises.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling time is essential for the caramel to set and the bars to firm up, making slicing clean and effortless. Once cool, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy dessert perfection.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these bars is how well they stand on their own, but if you want to dress things up, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snowy touch. Alternatively, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can highlight the caramel’s sweetness and add a gourmet twist that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side bring a bright, tart contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, consider cutting these bars into bite-sized squares and presenting them on decorative platters or in mini cupcake liners. You can drizzle a little extra melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving to make them extra special. They also work wonderfully as a decadent addition to dessert buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy while preserving the gooey caramel texture. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will maintain their quality for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To bring that just-baked warm feeling back, pop a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven. This will re-melt the chocolate and caramel slightly—perfect for when you want a comforting, gooey treat without rebaking the entire batch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of unwrapped candies?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a shortcut, but be mindful of its thickness. You might need to adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve a similar smooth, spreadable texture like melted candies provide.
What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for balancing the sweet caramel and brown sugar flavors, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add it separately.
Why does the recipe call for two types of sugar?
The granulated sugar contributes to the crisp texture while the brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. Together, they create the perfect balance of chewiness and golden color.
How do I prevent the caramel from oozing out when baking?
Partially baking the cookie base first is the key step—it creates a sturdy layer that holds the caramel in place. Also, spreading the remaining dough carefully over the caramel helps to keep everything contained as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe—it’s a surefire way to impress anyone with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a last-minute dessert, or just treating yourself, these bars bring a cozy, homemade sweetness that always hits the spot. Give them a try and prepare for lots of happy, satisfied smiles around your kitchen table.
Print
Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars featuring a buttery cookie base layered with smooth caramel and studded with plenty of chocolate chips. These bars combine chewy cookie texture with gooey caramel for an irresistible treat perfect for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Add-ins & Toppings
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which gives the bars a tender texture.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan forming a solid base. Bake this base layer in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
- Melt Caramel Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies with heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Layer Caramel: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked cookie dough base, spreading it carefully to cover the surface.
- Add Top Cookie Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer and use a spatula or your fingers to gently spread and cover the caramel layer as evenly as possible.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top layer of cookie dough is golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares to serve. Cooling ensures they hold their shape and the caramel doesn’t run.
Notes
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- Do not overbake the bars to maintain a chewy texture.
- If preferred, use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramel candies and cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
