Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

As a lover of all things sweet, the moment I discovered Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Picture this: a bustling afternoon filled with laughter, and the irresistible scent of warm cookies wafting through the air, mingling with the sound of my kids excitedly chatting about their day. This delightful treat is a perfect blend of chewy cookie goodness and gooey caramel, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. I remember the first time I served these bars at a family get-together; they disappeared in seconds, and everyone was asking for the recipe. That’s when I realized that these cookie bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, a way to create lasting memories around the table.

Ingredients Overview for Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

The ingredients for Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars are quite simple, yet they come together to create a delightful treat. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the rich butter that adds creaminess to the chocolate chips that provide bursts of sweetness, every ingredient is essential.

• 11 oz vanilla caramels (1 bag): These will melt beautifully and create that gooey layer that everyone loves.
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can): This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 4 tbsp butter: Essential for a moist, flavorful base.
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter: Extra butter guarantees that decadent taste and chewy texture.
• 2 cups light brown sugar: This provides the depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty element that elevates the flavor profile.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): Essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture.
• 1 tbsp vanilla: Pure flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
• 2 cups flour: The base ingredient for any cookie bar.
• 1 cup old fashioned oats: For added texture and chewiness.
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the bars a lovely rise.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 2 cups chocolate chips: The star ingredient that provides bursts of chocolatey goodness.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars Instructions

Making Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious bars!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This helps in easy removal after baking and keeps the bars from sticking.
3. Unwrap the vanilla caramels and place them in a small saucepan along with the butter and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the caramels melt completely and the mixture is smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the mixture, giving your bars a nice texture.
5. Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture and continue mixing until well combined.
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla for an extra flavor boost.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
8. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring slowly until everything is well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no dry patches left.
9. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
10. Spread about 2/3 of the dough onto the bottom of the lined pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer.
11. Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan. The caramel adds a luscious layer of sweetness.
12. Drop the remaining dough on top by the teaspoonful. Don’t worry about making it perfect; rustic is charming!
13. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
14. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.

Tips and Variations

Here are some fantastic tips and variations to elevate your Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars experience!

• Storage: Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
• Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts to the dough for an extra crunch!
• Chocolate Options: Experiment with different chocolate varieties such as dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for diverse flavors.
• Serving Occasion: These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert.
• Garnish: Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top before serving for a decorative touch!

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving your Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are some creative ideas:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top for a delightful dessert.
• At Parties: Cut into small squares and place on a dessert table at gatherings for a sweet treat that guests will love.
• Seasonal Treat: These are delightful during the fall when you can pair them with warm spiced drinks.
• Lunchbox Treats: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise that will brighten their school day.
• Movie Nights: Enjoy these bars during family movie nights for a cozy, delicious snack.
• Gift Giving: Wrap them in cute boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
• Picnic Perfect: Take these cookie bars to picnics; they hold up well and are easy to transport.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars are truly a delightful blend of flavors, making them a dessert that everyone can enjoy. Their chewy texture combined with the rich, gooey caramel and chocolate is simply irresistible. So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but you’ll also create wonderful memories with friends and family as you share these delicious treats.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

The ultimate comfort food for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars combine chewy cookie layers with gooey caramel and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 11 oz vanilla caramels
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
2. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This helps in easy removal after baking and keeps the bars from sticking.
3. Unwrap the vanilla caramels and place them in a small saucepan along with the butter and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the caramels melt completely and the mixture is smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the mixture, giving your bars a nice texture.
5. Add the creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture and continue mixing until well combined.
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla for an extra flavor boost.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
8. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring slowly until everything is well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no dry patches left.
9. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
10. Spread about 2/3 of the dough onto the bottom of the lined pan. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer.
11. Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan. The caramel adds a luscious layer of sweetness.
12. Drop the remaining dough on top by the teaspoonful. Don't worry about making it perfect; rustic is charming!
13. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
14. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.

Notes

Here are some fantastic tips and variations to elevate your Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars experience!

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