Description
These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are an irresistible treat made with layers of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough and rich, gooey caramel. Perfectly sweet and buttery, these bars combine the smoothness of melted chocolate with the slight chewiness of caramel, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Ideal for any occasion, from bake sales to family gatherings, these easy-to-make bars are sure to be a hit. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they deliver classic flavors with a comforting homemade touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the batter.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients Separately:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread in Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is smooth and level.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy the perfect combination of gooey caramel and melty chocolate in every bite.
Notes
- Caramel: You can use either store-bought soft caramels or make your own from scratch. Store-bought caramels should be melted with a bit of cream or milk to achieve the right consistency.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the most common choice for this recipe, but feel free to swap them with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference. Mini chocolate chips can also be used if you want a more even distribution of chocolate throughout the bars.
- Customizing the Recipe: For added crunch, fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty flavor twist.
- Baking: Be careful not to overbake. The edges should be golden, while the center remains soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Serving: These bars are delicious at room temperature but can also be warmed in the microwave and served with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Storage: Keep bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature before serving.