Description
These chewy salted caramel cookie bars are the ultimate 5pm dessert win. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples, featuring a one-pan dump-and-swirl method for rich, buttery flavor without the stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 bag (approx. 10-12 oz) store-bought caramel bits
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for softening caramel)
- Sea salt flakes, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until the flour disappears; do not overmix.
- Press about half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer.
- If caramel bits are hard, microwave them with heavy cream for 30 seconds until soft and pliable. Drop spoonfuls of the caramel mixture over the dough layer.
- Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the top of the caramel. Gently swirl the top layer into the bottom layer with a knife or chopstick to create ribbons.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center looks slightly soft.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to set. Lift out using the parchment sling and slice into squares.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes before serving.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, for chewy centers. Spoon and level flour to avoid dry bars. Do not overmix the dough. Bars improve in flavor after sitting for a day. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain chewiness. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: chewy salted caramel cookie bars, easy dessert, 5pm dinner, one pan dessert, no chill cookies, salted caramel bars, quick baking