Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are an indulgent treat that combines rich, dark cocoa and the sweet, buttery taste of salted caramel frosting. These bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. The soft, cookie-like base is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with the creamy, decadent frosting.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing them with friends, or simply enjoying a treat at home, these bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With the option to top them with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, they become a sophisticated dessert that highlights the contrast between the rich chocolate and the salted caramel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Decadent Flavor Combo: The dark cocoa base and salted caramel frosting create an irresistible sweet-salty pairing.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie base stays tender, providing the perfect backdrop for the creamy frosting.
• Simple to Make: Easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for special gatherings.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 batch of Salted Caramel Frosting
• Coarse ground sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk). Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a consistent dough forms.
4. Bake:
• Spread the dough evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes. Avoid over-baking to maintain a soft texture.
• Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool to room temperature.
5. Finish with Frosting:
• Once cooled, spread the Salted Caramel Frosting evenly over the top of the cookie base.
• Optionally, sprinkle coarse ground sea salt over the frosting for added flavor.
6. Serve and Store:
• Cut into 24 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Tips:
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars soft.
• Sea Salt Topping: If you enjoy a stronger contrast of flavors, use a high-quality sea salt for sprinkling.
• Frosting Variation: Enhance the frosting with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for those who love the combination of rich chocolate and sweet-salty caramel. Enjoy them as a sweet treat for any occasion!
