Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. With a buttery sugar cookie base, a luscious layer of gooey caramel, and a decadent chocolate topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an indulgent dessert at home, these bars are as easy to make as they are to devour.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are a triple-threat dessert, combining the best of sweet, salty, and chocolaty goodness. Here’s why they’re sure to become a favorite:

• Rich Layers: A buttery sugar cookie base pairs perfectly with gooey caramel and silky chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Sweet and Salty Harmony: The balance of sweet caramel and chocolate with a touch of flaky sea salt elevates every bite.
• Simple and Stunning: Easy to make yet visually impressive, these bars are perfect for wowing guests.
• Customizable: Switch up the chocolate, add nuts, or experiment with caramel flavors to make these bars your own.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s everything you need to create these irresistible bars:

For the Sugar Cookie Base:

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookie base.
• Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides structure to the cookie base.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light and slightly chewy texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.

For the Caramel Layer:

• Soft Caramels (14 ounces): Unwrapped and ready to melt.
• Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Creates a smooth, pourable caramel.

For the Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Melted for a rich topping.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A finishing touch that adds texture and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite dessert:

1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

2. Make the Caramel Layer

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
• Pour the caramel over the cooled sugar cookie base, spreading it evenly. Let the caramel set for about 15 minutes.

3. Add the Chocolate Topping

• Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
• Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate while it is still wet.
• Let the bars set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or refrigerate for quicker results.

4. Slice and Serve

• Once the chocolate has hardened, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
• Slice into squares or rectangles and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Get creative with these ideas to make the recipe your own:

• Chocolate Options: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for the topping.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the caramel layer for added crunch.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel instead of plain for an extra salty-sweet punch.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger pan or make two batches to accommodate the extra dough and toppings.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines indulgent layers of cookie, caramel, and chocolate with the perfect hint of salt. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe. Give them a try, and prepare to be wowed by the deliciousness in every bite!