ntroduction:
If your ideal dessert is buttery, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel and melty chocolate, these
Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars are about to become your new obsession. They’re the kind of treat
you’d expect from a bakery display—thick cookie-like layers, a soft caramel center, and chocolate chips throughout—
but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
What makes these bars special is the texture contrast: the bottom layer bakes into a buttery, sturdy base,
the caramel stays soft and stretchy, and the top layer turns golden with pockets of melted chocolate.
They’re perfect for holidays, parties, potlucks, bake sales, or those weekends when you just want something
sweet that feels extra cozy.
This recipe is designed to be dependable and flexible. You can use homemade caramel or a shortcut caramel melt,
adjust the chocolate level, and even add chopped nuts for crunch. The result is always the same: rich, crowd-pleasing
bars that disappear fast.
Ingredients:
For the buttery cookie layers:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk), divided
For the caramel center (easy method):
- 1 (11 oz / 312g) bag caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp sea salt (for salted caramel bars)
Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat and prep.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper (leave overhang for easy lifting). - Make the cookie dough.
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. - Press the bottom layer.
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