Description
Soft, chewy, and impossibly rich salted caramel cookie bars that are dense like brownies but have a cookie-like texture. This easy one-bowl recipe features a buttery base topped with a quick homemade caramel drizzle and sea salt flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted (for drizzle)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and lightly grease with butter spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Press it evenly into the corners to form a flat, even layer.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should still look slightly soft. Remove from oven.
- While bars bake, make the caramel drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter, heavy cream, and sifted powdered sugar. Whisk constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the hot baked bars. Spread evenly with a spoon, letting it drip into cracks.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes while the caramel is still wet.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Notes
Do not overbake; the bars continue to cook in the residual heat of the pan. Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the caramel. Use flaky salt for best texture. Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for proper creaming. Cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: salted caramel cookie bars, easy dessert, 30 minute dessert, cookie bars, caramel drizzle, brownie cookies, weeknight dessert