Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a touch of sea salt for a delightful treat. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a cozy dessert at home.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 batch Salted Caramel Frosting
• Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan evenly with nonstick baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Step 6: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface to ensure it’s level.
7. Step 7: Bake for 14 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
8. Step 8: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before spreading with salted caramel frosting.
9. Step 9: Finish by sprinkling coarse ground sea salt over the frosting to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have caramel coffee creamer, substitute with regular milk or cream for a similar texture.
• Try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for added crunch.
• Use a store-bought salted caramel frosting to save time, or make your own for a homemade touch.
• For a stronger caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm briefly in the microwave to soften the frosting without melting it completely.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but keep in mind that the flavor and color might vary slightly. Adjust baking powder if you use natural cocoa for best results.

What if I don’t have salted caramel frosting?

You can substitute with regular caramel or chocolate frosting and sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top to mimic the salted caramel taste.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine rich dark cocoa with sweet caramel flavors, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft and fudgy cookie bars topped with creamy salted caramel frosting and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt make this an indulgent treat ideal for dessert lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting and Garnish

• 1 Batch Salted Caramel Frosting (recipe assumed prepared separately)
• Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated to prevent sticking.
2. Create the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk). Beat until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and cocoa throughout the flour.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms, ensuring no streaks of flour remain but avoid overmixing to maintain softness.
6. Shape and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a level surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes, checking for doneness without overbaking to keep it soft and chewy.
7. Cool and Frost: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the salted caramel frosting evenly over the bars. Finish by sprinkling coarse sea salt over the frosting for a sweet-salty contrast.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaminess in the batter.
• Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy texture.
• Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• The salted caramel frosting should be prepared beforehand or purchased if preferred.
• Coarse sea salt on top enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness with saltiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: salted caramel, chocolate cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, dessert bars, chocolate dessert, caramel frosting