Print

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/easy-caramel-cookie-bars-recipe/