Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel in a beautifully chewy and buttery bar, look no further than these delectable Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars. With every bite, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds. These cookie bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What truly makes these Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars stand out is the luscious layer of gooey caramel that melds seamlessly with the cookie base. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips adds depth, while the oats give a delightful chewiness. The layers of flavors create an unforgettable experience that’s sure to impress everyone who tries them. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers.

What to Buy

To create these scrumptious Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 bag (11 oz) of vanilla caramels
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tbsp of butter (unsalted)
• 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of light brown sugar
• ½ cup of creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
• 2 ½ tsp of baking powder
• ¼ tsp of salt
• 2 cups of chocolate chips

Cook’s Kit

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining your ingredients.
• Medium saucepan – to melt the caramels and sweetened condensed milk.
• Whisk – for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
• Baking pan (9×13 inches) – the perfect size to create thick, chewy bars.
• Spatula – for spreading the batter evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precision in baking.
• Parchment paper – to line the baking pan for easy removal.

Method: Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help ensure your bars come out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Caramel Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the 11 oz of vanilla caramels and the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and melted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter, 2 cups of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the 2 room temperature eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be well combined and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Oats and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats and 2 cups of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Top with the remaining cookie dough, spreading it as evenly as possible over the caramel layer.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want these bars to remain soft and chewy.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

If you need to make some adjustments to the recipe, consider the following swaps:

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• You can replace creamy peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan butter and non-dairy sweetened condensed milk.
• Swap chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips or add chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
• Do not skip lining the baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean cutting.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gooey mess.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars keep well, making them a perfect treat for meal prep. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to maintain freshness.

Ask the Chef

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate chips, such as milk, dark, or white chocolate. You could even add in some butterscotch or peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor.

What if I don’t have vanilla caramels?

If you can’t find vanilla caramels, regular caramels will work just fine. You might consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel mixture to enhance the flavor.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch to these cookie bars. Just fold them in along with the oats and chocolate chips.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The center will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly underbaked.

You Might Also Like

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Salted Caramel Brownies
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• S’mores Cookie Bars

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be indulging in these rich and chewy bars in no time. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, each bite will be a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!