Salted Caramel Cookie Bars: 7 Steps to Sweet Heaven

Name: Salted Caramel Cookie Bars: 7 Steps to Sweet Heaven
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 9, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Salted Caramel Cookie Bars! They’re pure bliss in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie bar with that rich, buttery flavor dance across your taste buds, then—bam!—the sweet and salty combo of gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt hits you. It’s like a little party in your mouth!

Salted Caramel Cookie Bars - detail 1

Making these bars is just as delightful as eating them. You’ll start by creaming together some butter and sugars, and oh, the smell that fills your kitchen is simply heavenly! The caramel drizzled between layers of dough makes them irresistibly indulgent. I love how easy they are to whip up, too! In just about 45 minutes, you can have a tray of these beauties ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!). Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find every excuse to make them again and again. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just satisfying that sweet tooth. Let’s dive in and make some magic!

Ingredients

To whip up these mouthwatering Salted Caramel Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon sea salt flakes, for that perfect finishing touch

These ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery base with a luscious caramel surprise in the middle! Make sure your butter is nicely softened before you start—this ensures everything mixes together beautifully. And don’t skimp on the sea salt flakes; that little burst of saltiness elevates the flavors to a whole new level!

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these Salted Caramel Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and beautifully.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in the two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You want to see that lovely, creamy texture!
Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent and ensuring your bars rise perfectly.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you see no more flour streaks!
Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking, which can turn your cookie bars into a crumbly mess.
Layer the dough: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press it down gently to create a solid base.
Add the caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the dough. Don’t be shy with it—this is where the magic happens!
Top with remaining dough: Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some caramel should peek through for a lovely presentation.
Sprinkle sea salt: Finish it off by sprinkling the sea salt flakes over the top. This little touch makes all the difference in flavor!
Bake to perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut them into bars and prepare for the rave reviews!

And there you have it! Each step is simple, and the satisfaction you’ll feel when biting into these warm, gooey bars is absolutely worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Cookie Bars are a total game-changer for your dessert repertoire! Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for them:

Irresistible flavor: The combination of sweet caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a decadent contrast that’s simply addicting. Trust me, each bite is a little piece of heaven!
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these bars whipped up in no time. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Versatile treat: Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging on a cozy night in, these bars are a hit. They’re great for sharing, but I won’t blame you if you keep them all to yourself!
Make ahead: You can bake these bars in advance, making them a convenient option for busy schedules. Just store them in an airtight container, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready whenever the craving strikes!
Customizable: Feel free to mix it up! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to the dough for an extra twist. The possibilities are endless!

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Your taste buds will thank you later!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Salted Caramel Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Measure your ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or make sure to pack your brown sugar tightly in the measuring cup.
Don’t skip the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy is crucial. This step adds air to the mixture, which helps your bars rise and become delightfully soft.
Let the butter soften: If you forget to take your butter out in time, you can cut it into small cubes and microwave it in short bursts (about 10 seconds) until just softened. Just be careful not to melt it!
Cool completely before cutting: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set properly, making them easier to cut without crumbling.
Store properly: Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them—just remember to separate layers with parchment paper!
Adjust caramel to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to drizzle a little more caramel sauce on top before serving. Just remember that a little goes a long way!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious Salted Caramel Cookie Bars that will impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your Salted Caramel Cookie Bars! Here are some delicious variations to keep things exciting:

Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a lovely crunch. They pair perfectly with the caramel and add a nice texture!
Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough. The gooey chocolate combined with the salted caramel is a match made in dessert heaven!
Espresso Infusion: For coffee lovers, try adding 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the butter and sugar mixture. It elevates the flavor and adds a delightful richness.
Fruit Fusion: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy element. This adds a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the caramel beautifully.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor twist. It’s perfect for cozy fall or winter gatherings!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still get that delicious texture without compromising on taste!

These variations let you tailor the Salted Caramel Cookie Bars to your liking or the season. Experimenting with flavors can lead to your new favorite treat, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Salted Caramel Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is key! Once they’re completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I love using a glass container with a tight-sealing lid to lock in all that buttery goodness.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookie bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess!

Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or perfectly thawed from the freezer, these cookie bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each Salted Caramel Cookie Bar, so you know what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Enjoy your Salted Caramel Cookie Bars knowing they’re a delicious treat that you can feel good about indulging in!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these Salted Caramel Cookie Bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up, along with my answers:

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Absolutely! While I love making my own caramel sauce, using store-bought is a convenient option that still yields delicious results. Just make sure it’s a good quality caramel for the best flavor!
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes? No problem! You can use regular table salt or kosher salt as a substitute, but be cautious with the amount. Sea salt flakes give a lovely texture and burst of flavor, so adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking? A great way to check for doneness is to look for a golden brown edge and a center that’s set but still soft. You can also do the toothpick test—insert it into the center, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter!
Can I double the recipe? Of course! If you want to make a larger batch for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a little longer to cook through.
How should I store leftovers? To keep your Salted Caramel Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for a longer shelf life—just be sure to wrap them well!

These Salted Caramel Cookie Bars are bound to impress, and I hope this FAQ helps you feel confident in making them. Enjoy the baking adventure!