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Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/salted-caramel-chocolate-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/