Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup caramel sauce; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)

Melting chocolate and rich salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars spark pure dessert magic in my kitchen.

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible treat that promises incredible depth of flavor.

Layers of gooey chocolate mingle with buttery, crisp edges for a seriously addictive experience.

Baking these decadent bars feels like creating edible art that everyone will crave.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between sweet caramel notes and rich chocolate chunks.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary that makes hearts melt faster than the chocolate itself.

I promise you’ll want to save this recipe for every celebration and cozy moment ahead.

Effortless Baking Delight: These salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars are a breeze to make, requiring minimal baking skills and simple ingredients that most home bakers already have in their pantry.
One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of preparing and baking these delectable treats in a single 9×13-inch pan, making cleanup a snap and reducing kitchen mess.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats, these cookie bars combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of salt that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Quick Treat Solution: From start to finish, these bars can be whipped up in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Base Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie bars together, all-purpose works best.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create a soft, tender texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates a rich, deep caramel-like sweetness and moist texture, unsalted butter recommended.
Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and provides depth of flavor.

Flavor Enhancers:

Rolled Oats, Chocolate Chips: Adds texture, chewiness, and rich chocolate notes, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it generously or line it completely with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Wet Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture and Flavor

Pour in:

Eggs
Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly integrated and the mixture looks uniform.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently mix:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Ensure these dry components are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 6: Add Delightful Texture and Sweetness

Fold in:

Rolled oats
Chocolate chips

Distribute these additions evenly throughout the batter, creating pockets of deliciousness in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and the center looks set but slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and slice into generous, mouth-watering bars.

Boost Caramel Flavor: Sprinkle extra sea salt on top of the bars before baking to enhance the salted caramel profile and create a more intense sweet-salty contrast.
Prevent Overbaking: Check the bars at 25 minutes and remove from the oven when edges are golden brown but center is still slightly soft to maintain a chewy, moist texture.
Customize Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Storage Secret: Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.

Refrigerate completed cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.
Freeze these decadent bars for longer storage by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer-safe container – they'll stay tasty for 2-3 months.
Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their rich, gooey goodness.

Brew a Creamy Latte Companion: Pair these decadent salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars with a rich, velvety latte. The smooth espresso and steamed milk complement the sweet and salty notes of the dessert, creating a luxurious taste experience.
Sip Smooth Milk Harmony: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk alongside these bars. The classic dairy drink cuts through the richness of the chocolate and caramel, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the cookie's complex flavors.
Match with Nutty Whiskey Twist: Choose a bourbon or whiskey with caramel and vanilla undertones. The warm, oak-aged spirit echoes the salted caramel's depth, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert's indulgent profile.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top the warm cookie bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture and sweet vanilla notes create a perfect temperature and flavor balance against the warm, chewy bars.

Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans and add a layer of caramel sauce swirled through the bar for extra richness and nutty flavor.
Espresso Chocolate Swirl: Mix in 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the batter and use dark chocolate chips for a more intense, coffee-infused experience.
Coconut Caramel Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking and drizzle with salted caramel sauce after cooling for a tropical-inspired treat.
Salted Pretzel Caramel: Crush pretzels and mix into the batter, then top the bars with crushed pretzel pieces and an extra sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.

Why are salted caramel and chocolate chips a great combination?

The sweet-salty contrast creates a perfect flavor balance. The caramel’s richness complements the chocolate’s depth, while the salt enhances both flavors, making each bite more complex and exciting.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests standard chocolate chips, you can experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile to your cookie bars.

How do rolled oats impact the texture of these bars?

Rolled oats add a wonderful chewy texture and nutty undertone to the bars. They create a heartier, more substantial bite compared to traditional cookies, making the bars feel more rustic and satisfying.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes! This recipe requires basic mixing techniques and standard baking tools. The steps are straightforward, and even novice bakers can successfully create delicious salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars with simple instructions.

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.