Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine everything you crave in a dessert: fudgy chocolate, a creamy caramel frosting, and a sprinkle of sea salt to balance it all out. Each bar is perfectly soft and chewy, with layers of rich, decadent flavor that make it an unforgettable treat. They’re easy to whip up, ready in just 30 minutes, and perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt delivers a deeply satisfying sweet and salty taste.
• Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these bars are ready in less than half an hour.
• Perfect Texture: Fudgy, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting, each bite melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday baking, family gatherings, or a quick dessert any day of the week.

Ingredients

• For the Bars
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk as an alternative)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• For Topping
  • 1 batch Salted Caramel Frosting (recipe follows)
  • Coarse ground sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Salted Caramel Frosting Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1-2 teaspoons heavy cream or milk, as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk) and mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth, consistent dough forms.

Step 4: Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with a spatula or your hands for an even layer. Bake for 14-15 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake, as you want the bars to remain soft and fudgy. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the caramel sauce and mix until incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Add Finishing Touches
Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the salted caramel frosting over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the frosting for a sweet-salty finish.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the bars into 24 squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these bars as they are, or serve slightly warmed for an extra gooey treat. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a perfect snack or dessert.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar individually for easy serving later.

Recipe Variations

• Extra Chocolatey: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of chocolate in each bite.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Extra Caramel: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosting before sprinkling the sea salt for a more intense caramel flavor.

Helpful Notes

• Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with sugar, resulting in a smoother dough. Make sure it’s at room temperature before starting.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Check the bars after 14 minutes. They should be just set in the middle to keep them soft and chewy.
• Use Dark Cocoa Powder: Dark cocoa powder gives the bars a richer chocolate flavor and color, but regular cocoa powder can be used as well.
• Frosting Consistency: Add the heavy cream or milk to adjust the frosting texture, making it spreadable but thick enough to hold up on the bars.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Christina Tosi’s Sugar Tip: When using both brown and granulated sugars in baking, the brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness while the granulated sugar adds structure.
Joanne Chang’s Chocolate Tip: Dark cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor without added sweetness, making it ideal for rich desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars without the frosting?
Yes, these bars are delicious even without the frosting, but the salted caramel frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dessert.

What if I don’t have caramel coffee creamer?
You can substitute milk or even heavy cream for the creamer. The caramel flavor will still shine through with the frosting.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
Yes, light brown sugar works just as well, though dark brown sugar adds a bit more richness.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to ensure smooth, clean edges, especially with the frosted layer on top.

Is there a gluten-free option?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are a fudgy, indulgent treat that’s easy to make and hard to resist. With rich chocolate, a luscious caramel frosting, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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