If you’re a fan of rich caramel desserts and classic chocolate chip cookies, these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Featuring layers of soft chocolate chip cookie dough and a luscious caramel filling, these bars are finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
Every bite is packed with melted chocolate, buttery cookie dough, and gooey caramel, making them an irresistible dessert for parties, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
Ultra Gooey Texture
The combination of caramel and chocolate chips creates an incredibly soft and gooey center.
Sweet and Salty Perfection
A touch of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
Easy to Make
Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Sharing
These bars cut beautifully into squares, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 10 ounces soft caramel candies, unwrapped
Topping
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Press about three-quarters of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Set aside the remaining dough.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel candies.
Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.
Pour most of the caramel mixture evenly over the cookie dough base.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.
The caramel should still be visible through portions of the dough.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Step 7: Finish and Cool
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Cookie Bars
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Don’t overbake—the center should remain slightly soft for maximum gooeyness.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting to help the caramel set.
- For extra chocolate flavor, add a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
- Chill briefly before slicing for cleaner bars.
Variations
Chocolate Lovers Version
Add dark chocolate chunks or chocolate-covered caramel candies.
Nutty Caramel Bars
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough.
Pretzel Caramel Bars
Sprinkle crushed pretzels over the caramel layer before baking.
Double Caramel
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?
Caramel candies provide the thickest and gooeyest filling, but a thick caramel sauce can work in a pinch.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes. Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why should I use flaky sea salt?
The salt helps balance the sweetness and creates that classic salted caramel flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better the next day after the caramel has fully set.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 24–30 bars
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert—loaded with chocolate, filled with rich caramel, and topped with flaky sea salt for a treat everyone will love.