If indulgence had a physical form, it would look exactly like Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Thick, soft, rich, and unapologetically decadent, these dessert bars combine everything we love about classic chocolate chip cookies with layers of buttery caramel and a finishing touch of flaky sea salt. They’re the kind of dessert that stops conversations, disappears fast at gatherings, and earns repeat requests every time you make them.

Cookie bars have long been a favorite for home bakers because they offer all the comfort of cookies with less effort and more payoff. Instead of scooping individual cookies, you spread the dough, bake once, slice, and serve. When you add gooey caramel and melted chocolate chips into the mix, the result becomes something truly special—part cookie, part candy bar, and entirely irresistible.

These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, chewy and soft, rich yet comforting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert table, a weekend treat, or simply to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results without complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

There are plenty of reasons these gooey salted caramel cookie bars deserve a permanent spot in your dessert rotation:

Ultra-gooey texture thanks to layered caramel and soft-baked cookie dough
Perfect sweet-salty contrast from flaky sea salt
Simple ingredients you likely already have
One-pan convenience with no chilling required
Crowd-pleasing flavor ideal for parties, potlucks, and bake sales

Unlike traditional cookies that can sometimes dry out, these bars stay soft and tender for days. The caramel layer melts into the dough as it bakes, creating pockets of buttery richness that make every bite memorable.

Ingredients

Use high-quality ingredients whenever possible—especially butter, chocolate, and caramel—to achieve the best flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves (optional)
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Apple cider
Chocolate chips
Caramel sauce or soft caramels
Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, chewy base.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, mixing just until a smooth, thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in chocolate chips gently.
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Pour or spoon caramel evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
Drop the remaining dough over the caramel layer and gently spread or press it down without fully sealing the caramel.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set but still soft.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean layers—or serve slightly warm for maximum gooeyness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gooey Bars

Don’t overbake. The center should look slightly underdone when removed—it will set as it cools.
Use parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and clean slicing.
Let them rest. Cooling allows the caramel to thicken while staying gooey.
Flaky salt matters. Coarse sea salt adds texture and enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.

Flavor Variations

Want to customize your cookie bars? Try these creative twists:

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks.
Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dough.
Holiday Spice: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but even better when paired creatively:

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate sauce
Pair with coffee, espresso, or cold milk
Cut into small squares for dessert platters

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Fun Dessert Fact

The combination of salted caramel and chocolate became popular in American baking during the early 2000s, inspired by French caramel techniques. Today, it’s considered one of the most beloved dessert flavor pairings worldwide.