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Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery, tender cookie base with a rich, creamy caramel topping and a hint of sea salt, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in a delightful dessert bar that’s simple to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Base

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar

Caramel Topping

  • 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps ensure a tender crumb in the final bars.
  3. Combine Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture and stir until fully combined, forming a uniform dough.
  4. Press Dough and Bake Crust: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a uniform base. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
  5. Melt Caramel Mixture: While the crust bakes, melt the soft caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Pour the smooth caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Then crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough evenly over the caramel layer.
  7. Final Bake: Sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely to allow the caramel topping to set for easier cutting. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve a light and fluffy creamed mixture.
  • If the caramel candies are hard to melt, chop them into smaller pieces before heating to help them melt evenly.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut bars after they have fully cooled to achieve clean edges.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness but it can be omitted for a milder flavor.

Keywords: Caramel cookie bars, easy dessert bars, caramel dessert, cookie bars recipe, sweet and salty dessert

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/easy-caramel-cookie-bars-recipe/