Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect balance between rich chocolate, buttery cookie, and gooey caramel, then these Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine biting into a chewy, tender cookie bar layered with luscious, melted caramel sauce and bursting with melty chocolate morsels. These bars take everything we love about classic chocolate chip cookies and elevate them with a luscious caramel surprise that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or sneaking one for an afternoon treat, Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars deliver luxurious flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars lies in their simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in achieving that irresistible texture and flavor combo. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough, to the brown sugar that gives moisture and depth, every element is essential.
- Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, room temperature): Provides the rich, creamy base that helps create that tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note that enhances the caramel flavor.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Lifts and complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind the ingredients together, giving structure and moisture.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone that forms the cookie bars’ structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps with even rising and browning.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate morsels (2 cups): Create gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
- Evaporated milk (5 ounces): The secret to smooth, creamy caramel sauce when combined with the caramel bits.
- Caramel bits or wrapped caramels (11 ounces): The star ingredient that melts into a dreamy sauce layered inside the bars.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Brown Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and vanilla together until the mixture looks lighter and fluffier. This step is key for achieving delightfully tender bars as it incorporates air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures a smooth dough without any curdling or separation.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough. Then fold in your chocolate morsels evenly; you want every bite to have some melty chocolate goodness.
Step 5: Press Half the Dough into the Baking Dish
Grab about half of your cookie dough and press it evenly into your prepared pan. This will serve as the bottom layer that holds the caramel sauce. Aim for a smooth, even layer.
Step 6: Bake the Base Layer
Bake this first layer in your preheated oven for 10 minutes. This slight pre-baking helps the bottom hold its shape once you add the caramel topping.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the base layer is baking, combine the evaporated milk and caramel bits in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 8 minutes until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth and rich. Remove from heat carefully.
Step 8: Add Caramel Sauce and Top with Remaining Dough
Once the base is out of the oven, pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over it, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Then, using your hands, scoop small portions of the remaining dough, flatten slightly, and place these dollops on top of the caramel. It’s okay if some caramel peeks through; it creates a gorgeous homemade look.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the assembled bars for another 15-18 minutes, or until you see the caramel bubbling around the edges and the cookie dough topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This lets the caramel set just right, so your bars hold together perfectly when you serve.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make these bars even more mesmerizing. For extra flair, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the caramel’s richness.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream pairs beautifully with warm Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars. Fresh berries or a cup of strong black coffee also complement the sweet, buttery flavor, balancing indulgence and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a pretty platter with colorful napkins for easy grab-and-go treats. Alternatively, serve them layered with whipped cream and fresh fruit in dessert glasses for a show-stopping parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps preserve the chewy texture and prevents the caramel from drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm bars slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that gooey, melty texture. Be cautious not to overheat, or the caramel may become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
While store-bought caramel sauce can work in a pinch, using caramel bits melted with evaporated milk creates a thicker, more luscious caramel layer that holds better between the cookie bars.
What’s the best way to prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is the easiest way to ensure your bars come out cleanly. Alternatively, use nonstick spray, but parchment paper makes removal so much simpler.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips can swap in nicely. Just be mindful that different chocolates melt differently and affect sweetness.
Are these bars chewy or cakey?
These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars have a wonderfully chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge, much like a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with that extra gooey caramel layer adding richness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Making Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars is like creating a little slice of heaven in your kitchen. The combination of buttery cookie, rich chocolate, and silky caramel is hard to resist and even easier to enjoy. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that brings pure joy with every bite. Trust me, once you taste these bars, they’ll become a staple dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintChocolate Chip Caramel Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars feature a luscious layer of melted caramel sandwiched perfectly between two layers of buttery chocolate chip cookie dough. The bars combine the classic flavors of rich caramel and semi-sweet chocolate morsels with a soft, chewy cookie texture, making them an irresistible treat perfect for dessert or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
- Category: Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Caramel Sauce
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits or wrapped caramels (unwrapped if using wrapped caramels)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal.
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla: In a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate morsels by hand or with the mixer on low, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Press first layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flat layer.
- Bake first layer: Bake this layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the caramel sauce.
- Make caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk and caramel bits. Stir frequently for about 8 minutes, until the caramels are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add caramel to bars: Carefully remove the partially baked cookie layer from the oven and place on a heat-safe surface. Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the baked cookie layer, spreading it into every corner.
- Add remaining cookie dough: Take small handfuls of the remaining cookie dough, flatten slightly, and gently place dollops over the caramel layer, allowing some caramel to show between the dough pieces.
- Final bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cookie dough turns golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature before cutting into squares to serve. This ensures the bars hold their shape and the caramel sets nicely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Ensure wrapped caramels are unwrapped before melting to avoid any wrappers melting into the sauce.
- If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a splash more evaporated milk to thin it out.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a fudgier texture, try using a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, baked caramel bars, dessert bars, cookie bars, caramel chocolate dessert