Go Back
Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Bars

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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!