Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x

Description

Delight in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. Rich dark cocoa powder is combined into a soft, buttery sugar cookie base, enhanced with caramel coffee creamer for a subtle caramel flavor. Topped with luscious salted caramel frosting and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, these bars offer a delectable treat that’s ideal for dessert or any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting & Garnish

  • 1 Batch Salted Caramel Frosting
  • Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
  2. Create the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes and is crucial for a tender texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer. Beat the mixture well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, enhancing the flavor and moisture content.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender bars.
  6. Shape and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan to form a level surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes. The bars should be just set and slightly soft in the center to keep them moist and chewy without being overbaked.
  7. Cool and Frost: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the batch of salted caramel frosting evenly over the top. Finish by sprinkling coarse ground sea salt to accentuate the salted caramel flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overbake the bars to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Caramel coffee creamer can be substituted with milk if unavailable, though it adds extra caramel flavor.
  • Prepare the salted caramel frosting in advance or use store-bought if short on time.
  • For best results, let the bars cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted caramel, chocolate sugar cookie bars, dessert bars, caramel frosting, chocolate cookie bars, sweet and salty dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/salted-caramel-chocolate-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/