If you’re chasing the ultimate combination of gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and classic cookie goodness, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars hit every sweet spot. They’re the kind of treat that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and a little bit decadent, perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking as an after-dinner indulgence. Every bite delivers a chewy cookie base, soft caramel layer, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips—pure bliss for anyone who adores easy, irresistible desserts. Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are your new go-to when you want big flavor with just a handful of ingredients and almost no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cookie Layer:
- 1 package (16.5 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
Caramel Filling:
- 1 package (11 ounces) soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Topping:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or, for the easiest cleanup imaginable, line it with parchment paper. This simple step saves you from sticky corners later on and helps your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars release beautifully.
Step 2: Press in the Cookie Dough Base
Grab half of that refrigerated cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Work the dough into the corners for complete coverage—you want every bite to have that signature cookie chew. Pop the pan in the oven for 10 minutes: this first bake sets a trusty foundation for all the gooeyness to come.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel Layer
While the base is baking, turn your attention to the star of the show: caramel! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine your unwrapped caramels with the heavy cream. Stir constantly until everything melts together into a silky, glossy sauce with no lumps. This only takes a few minutes, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 4: Layer and Sprinkle
Once the cookie base is out of the oven, pour the warm caramel over it, making sure to spread it evenly from edge to edge. Immediately sprinkle those semisweet chocolate chips over the caramel, then scatter on the nuts if you’re using them. This is where the magic starts—melty chocolate in every bite!
Step 5: Crumble the Topping
Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the caramel layer. Cover as much of the caramel as possible, leaving a few peeks here and there for a gorgeous, rustic look. This final dough layer completes the signature chocolate chip cookie flavor throughout the bars.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and delightfully fragrant. The hardest part? Waiting for the bars to cool completely in the pan for clean, beautiful slices (trust me—it’s worth it!). For even more precise bars, chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a pretty finish, or try a drizzle of melted chocolate across the tops for peak drama. A pinch of flaky sea salt is amazing if you love a salty-sweet combo; it makes those chocolate and caramel flavors pop!
Side Dishes
These bars shine all on their own, but they’re unmistakably dreamy alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Pair them with a tall cold glass of milk or strong coffee for a cozy afternoon treat you’ll crave again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars into fun squares, triangles, or even small bites for a dessert platter. Stack them high on a rustic wooden board for bake sale vibes, or wrap individual bars in parchment and string for a heartfelt homemade gift. Warm a few pieces and layer with ice cream for a showstopping dessert sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, store your Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They keep their chewy texture and gooey center, making them perfect for snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
Planning ahead or baking a double batch? These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to treat yourself.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a bar in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. The caramel will get wonderfully gooey, and the cookie will taste as if it was just baked—magic for those who love a little warmth with their dessert.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite classic chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, it will work perfectly here—just use about 16.5 ounces for the same results and bake times.
What kind of caramels work best for Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars?
Soft, chewy caramels like Kraft or Werther’s are ideal, because they melt down smoothly with the heavy cream. Avoid hard or overly sticky candies for the easiest melting and perfect texture.
Can I add sea salt for salted caramel bars?
Yes—sprinkling flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking or as a finishing touch adds a delicious contrast that really highlights the sweet flavors. It’s a game changer if you’re a fan of salty-sweet treats.
Do I have to add nuts?
Not at all! Nuts are entirely optional. They add great crunch and a little extra richness, but the bars are just as gooey and delicious without them, which is great for nut-free households or picky eaters.
How should I cut Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars cleanly?
The secret is patience—let the bars cool completely, or chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper, wiping between cuts for those beautiful, bakery-worthy edges.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, you’ll want make them part of your regular dessert rotation. They deliver everything you love about cookies, caramel, and chocolate, in a treat that’s guaranteed to impress with almost no extra work. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s so quickly become a favorite in my own kitchen—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts with these mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cookie Layer:
- 1 package (16.5 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
Caramel Filling:
- 1 package (11 ounces) soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Topping:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the base: Press half of the cookie dough into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Melt the caramel: In a saucepan, melt the caramels with heavy cream until smooth.
- Add caramel and toppings: Pour the melted caramel over the baked crust, sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts.
- Complete the bars: Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
