Description
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are a decadent fusion of rich chocolate and salted caramel, creating a dessert that’s both sweet and indulgent. Each bar starts with a chewy, chocolatey sugar cookie base, topped with a layer of smooth salted caramel frosting. The optional sprinkle of coarse sea salt enhances the caramel flavor, adding a delightful salty-sweet contrast that chocolate lovers crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 batch Salted Caramel Frosting
- Coarse ground sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray.
- Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk), mixing until well combined.
- 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.
- Baking: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 14-15 minutes, taking care not to over-bake. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Finishing Touches: Once cooled, spread the Salted Caramel Frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the frosting for an extra layer of flavor. Cut into 24 bars and store in an airtight container for freshness.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Bake Time: 15