Description
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars, a perfect blend of buttery cookie base, gooey caramel sauce, and rich chocolate chips. With a golden crust and gooey center, these bars are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth at any gathering or as an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Base
- 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Creamy Caramel Layer
- 11 ounce jar caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric or stand mixer, beat 1 1/2 cups of softened salted butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well. Then add 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, mixing to combine.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour a little at a time, mixing until fully combined and no white streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in 2 cups of chocolate chips by hand, as the batter is stiff and requires gentle, thorough mixing to distribute the chips evenly.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 11-ounce jar of caramel sauce with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until completely blended to thicken the caramel layer slightly.
- Press Base Layer: Lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray and press half of the cookie bar batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, extending halfway up the sides for a sturdy crust.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the cookie dough base, spreading gently to cover without mixing into the dough.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, spacing evenly to create a rustic top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares to ensure clean slices and set texture.
Notes
- Spraying your hands with nonstick spray before pressing the dough helps to manage the sticky batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the flour to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Cooling completely before cutting prevents the caramel from oozing and keeps the bars intact.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality caramel sauce and chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
