Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These easy caramel cookie bars combine a buttery cookie base with a luscious, creamy caramel layer. Perfectly sweet with a hint of sea salt on top, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon 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 to 12 minutes until it becomes lightly golden and set.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining dough on top, then sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Step 7: Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of softened butter in the crust.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
• If soft caramel candies are unavailable, replace with caramel sauce, but reduce cream slightly.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. Let bars come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to soften the caramel layer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or skip the sea salt topping to avoid the bars becoming too salty.

How do I make sure the caramel layer doesn’t harden too much?

Melting the caramel with heavy cream ensures a smooth and gooey texture. Avoid overheating to prevent hardening.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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Delight in these Easy Caramel Cookie Bars featuring a buttery cookie crust topped with luscious homemade caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, creating the base for your cookie dough.
3. Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined and the dough forms.
4. Press Dough and Bake Crust: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set, forming a firm base.
5. Melt Caramels: While the crust bakes, melt the soft caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramel mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Add Caramel Layer: Once the crust is baked, carefully pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over it to create a rich, gooey layer.
7. Add Remaining Dough and Sea Salt: Crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the caramel layer, then sprinkle the top evenly with sea salt to enhance the flavors.
8. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the caramel cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving to ensure clean cuts and set layers.

Notes

• Softened butter should be at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Use individually wrapped caramel candies for smooth melting without graininess.
• Sprinkling sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness with a perfect salty contrast.
• Let bars cool fully to avoid gooey or messy pieces when cutting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, easy dessert recipes, homemade caramel bars, salted caramel cookies, buttery cookie crust, sweet and salty dessert