Salted caramel chocolate sugar cookie bars are the ultimate dessert that takes your taste buds on a thrilling ride. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie base infused with rich chocolate flavor, drizzled with luscious salted caramel that creates an irresistible combination of sweet and salty. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it hard to resist having just one more bite.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you might have fond memories of baking with family or friends, where laughter and flour flew everywhere. This recipe is perfect for those cozy evenings when you want something delightful to share or simply indulge in after a long day. So grab your apron and prepare to create something utterly delicious that will have everyone begging for the secret recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
- The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a sweet treat that’s impossible to resist.
- Visually stunning with layers of chocolate and caramel, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to customize with toppings or serve as is, these bars fit any occasion.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookie bars, providing structure and chewiness. Make sure it’s freshly opened for the best results.
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Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel.
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Baking Soda: This will help your cookie bars rise just enough to create that perfect texture—soft in the middle and slightly crisp at the edges.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all adore in desserts.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the lovely texture of your cookie bars.
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Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
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Eggs: These bind everything together while adding richness; use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s essential for that gooey topping!
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Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle on top brings out the flavors and gives that mouthwatering sweet-salty balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside as we move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—around three minutes should do it! Add in the eggs one at a time while mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Ensure everything is mixed well but don’t overdo it; we want tender cookie bars here!
Step 5: Spread into Pan
Spread half of your dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Then drizzle half of your salted caramel sauce over this layer before spreading the remaining dough on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (except for some melted chocolate bits!). Allow cooling completely before drizzling more salted caramel sauce on top and sprinkling sea salt flakes.
Transfer to plates and serve these indulgent salted caramel chocolate sugar cookie bars warm or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat! Get ready for oohs and ahhs from everyone who tries them!
You Must Know
- These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite.
- The gooey caramel mixes perfectly with chocolate, creating a dessert that everyone will rave about.
- Perfect for parties or just because!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the cookie dough and layer it in the baking pan, then drizzle with caramel before adding more dough on top. Bake until golden brown for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or even add nuts for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for an enhanced salted caramel flavor that will impress your friends.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, don’t overmix the dough; this keeps your bars tender and chewy.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor that elevates your dessert experience.
Sharing my first attempt at these Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars was a big hit! My friends couldn’t believe how delicious they were and devoured them in minutes, asking for the recipe right away.
FAQs:
What are Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars?
Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and sweet caramel. These bars feature a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a layer of gooey salted caramel and finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt. They are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet treat that everyone will love.
How can I store Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars?
To store your Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before serving for the best texture.
Can I make Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars to be gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to achieve similar results. Make sure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and chocolate, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of animal-derived gelatin in my Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars?
If your recipe calls for gelatin, you can substitute it with plant-based alternatives like agar-agar or pectin to achieve the desired texture. Agar-agar is particularly useful for creating firm desserts and works well in salted caramel mixtures. Follow package instructions for the correct proportions when using these substitutes.
Conclusion for Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars:
In summary, Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars deliver an irresistible combination of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With easy substitutions available, you can customize this recipe to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as an everyday treat, these bars are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and chewy chocolate cookie base topped with a rich layer of gooey salted caramel. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring after a long day. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Spread half of the dough in the prepared pan, drizzle with half of the salted caramel sauce, then add the remaining dough on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Allow cooling before drizzling more salted caramel and sprinkling sea salt flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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