Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery cookie base with a rich, gooey caramel layer for a treat that’s both simple and irresistible. Perfect for sharing or as a sweet snack, they come together quickly with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the flour to the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and set.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
7. Step 7: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, then sprinkle the top with sea salt.
8. Step 8: Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel layer before baking.
• Use salted butter instead of unsalted and reduce the sea salt topping if you prefer less saltiness.
• Swap out soft caramel candies for a homemade caramel sauce if desired.

Storage

Store the caramel cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave or at low oven temperature to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for these bars to achieve the right texture. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flour may alter the crumb and consistency.

Why do I need to bake the crust before adding caramel?

Baking the crust first helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy once the caramel is added. This ensures a nice, firm base for your bars.

Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 147 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Caramel Cookie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a smooth, creamy caramel topping, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Perfect as a decadent treat or dessert for any occasion, this recipe is simple to make and yields rich, delicious bars that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Topping

• 1 package soft caramel candies (unwrap individually)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined forming a dough.
4. Press the Dough: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, creating the cookie crust layer.
5. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from oven.
6. Melt the Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the soft caramel candies together with the heavy cream over low heat in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble Layers: Pour the melted caramel mixture over the baked crust evenly. Crumble the remaining half of the dough on top of the caramel layer, then sprinkle with sea salt to add a flavorful finish.
8. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and set.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure clean, neat bars.

Notes

• Soft caramel candies are preferable as they melt smoothly; avoid using hard or chewy caramels that may not melt evenly.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the caramel from oozing out.
• For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel cookie bars, easy dessert bars, caramel shortbread, salted caramel bars, caramel treats