Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our irresistible Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars recipe. These delectable treats are the perfect marriage of rich chocolate chip cookie bars and gooey caramel sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert for a special occasion or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the world of homemade indulgence!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups (300g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2¼ cups (282g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits or wrapped caramels (be sure to unwrap if using the wrapped caramels)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands.
- Bake the Cookie Bars:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, heat the evaporated milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Add the caramel bits or wrapped caramels to the saucepan, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Once the cookie bars have cooled, pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top, using a spatula to spread it out if necessary.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel sauce to set.
- Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
- Serve and enjoy these heavenly Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before chilling.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cooled bars before serving.
- Customize with Flavored Chips: Experiment with different flavors of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, to create unique variations of these bars.
- Use Homemade Caramel: If you prefer, you can make your own homemade caramel sauce from scratch instead of using store-bought caramel bits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted caramel instead of regular caramel? A: Absolutely! Salted caramel would add a delicious contrast of flavors to these bars. Simply use salted caramel bits or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before chilling.
Q: Can I freeze these bars for later? A: Yes, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars freeze well. Once they are completely cooled and cut into squares, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with layers of parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate in the cookie bars? A: Of course! Feel free to use your favorite chocolate chips or chunks in place of the semi-sweet chocolate morsels. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all work beautifully in this recipe.
Q: How long do these bars stay fresh? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adaptation:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s a modified version of the recipe:
Keto Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars:
- Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the brown sugar.
- Choose sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with a high cocoa content to minimize sugar intake.
- Opt for a low-carb caramel sauce made with a sugar-free sweetener and heavy cream.
Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with our irresistible Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. With their buttery cookie base, gooey caramel layer, and rich chocolate chips, these bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or as a decadent dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the blissful combination of chocolate, caramel, and buttery goodness in every bite!
