Alright, folks, brace yourselves for a taste sensation that’ll have you questioning why you ever bothered with regular cookies – introducing caramel chocolate chip cookie bars!
Picture this: gooey caramel nestled between layers of chewy chocolate chip cookie goodness, all baked into one glorious, irresistible bar. It’s like the love child of a cookie and a candy bar, and let me tell you, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
These bars are so decadent, they’ll have you wondering why anyone ever bothered with plain old cookies. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing – if you can bear to part with them, that is! So, grab your stretchiest pants and get ready to indulge in a caramel-chocolatey-cookie dream come true.
Why should I make caramel chocolate chip cookie bars?
There are sooooo many reasons why you should make these extra gooey caramel cookie bars, but here is a list of reasons to inspire you!
Caramel, Chocolate, Need I Say More?: Let’s start with the obvious – caramel and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. It’s like they were destined to be together, and who are we to argue with destiny?
One Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to the hassle of scooping individual cookies – caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are a one-pan wonder! Less cleanup means more time for important things, like eating said cookie bars.
Caramel lovers: These bars are practically oozing with caramel goodness!
Chocolate chunks: These cookie bars are loaded with chocolatey goodness in every bite, the chocolate chunks make the most epic pools of chocolate.
Impress Without the Stress: Want to impress your friends and family with your baking skills without actually, you know, baking? These caramel chocolate chip cookie bars have got you covered. They look and taste fancy, but shh, it’ll be our little secret how easy they are to make.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or just a Tuesday afternoon, caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are always a hit. They’re the Swiss Army knife of desserts – versatile, dependable, and always there when you need them.
Can’t decide between caramel & chocolate: Craving something sweet but can’t decide between caramel and chocolate? With these cookie bars, you don’t have to choose – you can have the best of both worlds in one delicious package.
When should I make these caramel chocolate chip cookie bars?
You do not need a specific reason to make them, but here’s a few times that they would be great!
Monday Blues Buster: Because let’s face it, nothing says “adios” to Monday blues like sinking your teeth into a gooey, caramel-infused slice of heaven.
Hump Day Happiness: Midweek slump? More like midweek jump for joy when you’ve got a pan of these bars waiting for you at home. Who needs a camel when you’ve got caramel chocolate chip cookie bars to get you through Wednesday?
TGIF Treat: Finally, the weekend is here! Celebrate Fri-yay with a batch of these bars – because you’ve earned it, and your taste buds deserve a standing ovation.
Rainy Day Rescue: When the weather outside is frightful, but your kitchen is oh-so-delightful, whip up a batch of caramel chocolate chip cookie bars to bring a little sunshine to your day.
Netflix and Chew: Who needs Netflix and chill when you can have Netflix and chew? Grab your favorite blanket, cue up your watchlist, and munch your way through a plate of these irresistible bars. Bonus points if you manage not to drop any crumbs on the couch.
Potluck Power Move: Got a potluck to attend? Be the hero of the party with a tray of caramel chocolate chip cookie bars. Warning: you may need to fend off adoring fans and requests for the recipe.
Late-Night Snack Attack: Midnight cravings strike again? Don’t resist – embrace them with a late-night rendezvous with these decadent bars. Just remember to brush your teeth before bed – caramel and chocolate make for delicious dreams, but not so delicious morning breath.
Office Break Oasis: Need a little pick-me-up at work? Bring a batch of caramel chocolate chip cookie bars to share with your coworkers. Suddenly, that Monday morning meeting doesn’t seem so daunting.
Just Because: Who needs a reason to indulge in something as delicious as caramel chocolate chip cookie bars? Sometimes, the best reason is simply because you can – and because life’s too short not to treat yourself.
How do I make these delicious cookie bars?
Cream the room temperature butter , caster and light brown soft sugar together for 4 mins.
Add the vanilla, egg and egg yolk, mix to combine.
Add the sifted plain flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Mix together using a spatula.
Fold 3/4 of the chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. (keep some to place on top of the cookie bar)
Scroll down to get the full recipe and ingredients needed…
Tips for making these caramel cookie bars?
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with the best ingredients you can find. Quality chocolate and real butter, and fresh eggs can make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the cookie dough, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense bars. Mix until just combined for a tender and chewy texture.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: To easily remove the cookie bars from the pan and ensure they don’t stick, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Use a Combination of Chocolate Chips and chunks: Mix different types of chocolate chips for a more complex flavor profile. Try combining semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent treat.
Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the cookie bars before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, balancing out the flavors.
Allow to Cool Completely: Patience is key when it comes to baking cookie bars. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. This helps them set and ensures they hold their shape when cutting.
Chill Before Cutting: If you do not want extra gooey cookie bars you can chill the cookie bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. This helps firm up the caramel and chocolate, making them easier to cut.
Store Properly: Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Try mixing in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even pretzel pieces for added texture and flavor.
Melt the soft caramels and cream together in a sauce pan on a low- medium heat. Add the salt, keep stirring until the you have a caramel sauce. Set aside whilst you make the cookie dough.
Cookie dough
Cream the room temperature butter , caster and light brown soft sugar together for 4 mins.
Add the vanilla, egg and egg yolk, mix to combine.
Add the sifted plain flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Mix together using a spatula.
Fold 3/4 of the chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. (keep some to place on top of the cookie bar)
Assemble
Line a 20cm x 20cm brownie tin.
Push half the cookie dough mix into the bottom of the brownie tin.
If the caramel sauce has hardened, warm it slightly until it is a but runny.
Pour in the caramel sauce, avoiding the edges.
Place the remaining cookie dough in small pieces on top of the caramel.
Once the caramel is covered (don't worry if there are a few gaps) sprinkle the dark chocolate chunks and chocolate chips on top.
Bake in the oven for 25 mins at 170c fan.
Wait for the caramel chocolate chip cookie bars to cool before cutting into them.
