Description
Ready to treat yourself to something buttery, chewy, and absolutely irresistible? These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars are here to steal the show — a melt-in-your-mouth combo of crumbly cookie base, silky caramel filling, and a light kiss of sea salt on top. Think of them as your go-to dessert for cozy nights, last-minute gatherings, or, honestly, when you just want to bake something amazing without overcomplicating your life.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
For the Caramel Center:
- 1 package soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Finishing Touch:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later.
- Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the texture turns creamy and pale. Add in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly crumbly but still hold together when pressed.
- Bake the Base
- Take half of your dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. This will be your buttery shortbread base.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling
- While the crust bakes, place the caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the candies melt and the mixture turns silky smooth. (Pro tip: Don’t rush it — caramel burns fast!)
- Layer and Bake Again
- Once the crust is out of the oven, pour that warm caramel over the top. Then crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly across the surface. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over everything.
- Pop it back into the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the topping looks golden and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Cut
- Patience, my friend — let the bars cool completely before slicing. The caramel needs time to set so that every bite holds together perfectly.
Notes
- Use high-quality caramels. The better the caramel, the richer your filling will taste.
- Don’t overbake. Pull them out once the top is just turning golden — they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Add a flavor twist. Try mixing a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder into your dough for a fun flavor upgrade.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal