These Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining layers of soft cookie dough, rich homemade caramel, and silky chocolate ganache, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for those who crave sweet and salty, this dessert is guaranteed to impress at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Directions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cookie dough to cool completely.
2. Make the Caramel Layer
- Cook the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Boil the Caramel: Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and turns a deep caramel color.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour Over Cookie Layer: Pour the caramel over the cooled cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely and set.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir the Ganache: Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy.
- Spread Over Caramel Layer: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of the ganache.
- Refrigerate: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Cut and Enjoy: Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into bars. Enjoy the perfect combination of cookie, caramel, and chocolate!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature for the perfect balance of textures. They make a great addition to dessert trays for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Making Caramel: Be sure to stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from burning. Once it reaches a deep golden color, it’s ready to pour over the cookie layer.
- Chilling for Clean Cuts: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the fridge before slicing with a sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps create smooth edges.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Perfect Ganache: Pastry Chef Dorie Greenspan recommends ensuring the cream is just hot enough to melt the chocolate, but not boiling, to create a smooth and shiny ganache.
- Layer Balance: Chef Claire Saffitz suggests slightly underbaking the cookie layer to keep it soft and gooey, which contrasts beautifully with the chewy caramel and smooth chocolate ganache.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to set in the bars.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a sweeter taste, but the balance of semi-sweet chocolate helps cut through the sweetness of the caramel.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
4. How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the knife when cutting?
Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting and use a sharp knife coated with cooking spray or lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Can I add nuts to the cookie layer?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They actually taste better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
7. How do I get the perfect sea salt topping?
Sprinkle the sea salt flakes immediately after spreading the ganache so they adhere to the chocolate before it sets.
8. Can I use white chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, white chocolate can be used, but it will result in a much sweeter topping. You may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the other layers to balance it.
9. Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigerating the bars helps the layers set and makes them easier to cut. However, they can be stored at room temperature once they are fully set.
10. Can I skip the sea salt?
The sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, but if you’re not a fan of salted desserts, you can leave it out.
These Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars are the ultimate layered dessert, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors. With a soft cookie base, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate ganache, each bite is pure decadence. Enjoy making—and savoring—this indulgent treat!