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Easy Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

Delight in these Easy Caramel Cookie Bars that combine a buttery, golden crust with a creamy caramel topping and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat. They are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing or enjoying as a decadent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 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
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the bars do not stick.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined to form a soft dough.
  4. Press Dough into Pan: Take half of the dough and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is lightly golden and set to the touch.
  6. Melt Caramel Mixture: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  7. Assemble Bars: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the warm caramel mixture over it. Then crumble the remaining half of the dough evenly on top of the caramel layer. Sprinkle sea salt over the top for a sweet and salty contrast.
  8. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature to achieve a creamy dough consistency.
  • For easier cutting, chill the bars slightly before slicing.
  • Use high-quality caramel candies for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • Adjust the sea salt amount based on your preference for saltiness.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: caramel bars, cookie bars, caramel cookie bars, easy dessert, baked caramel bars, sweet and salty dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/easy-caramel-cookie-bars-recipe/