Description

Welcome to a delightful journey of sweetness and savor! Allow yourself to be enchanted by the luscious Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars, a treat that perfectly marries rich, dark cocoa chocolate, creamy salted caramel, and the wholesome goodness of buttery sugar cookies. These bars boast a perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a blissful bite that might just make your taste buds dance with joy.

With origins in the classic sugar cookie, these bars elevate the traditional recipe into something incredibly indulgent and visually appealing. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply those moments when you're craving a decadent dessert, these bars promise an experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What's more, they're incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up these delightful bars. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking to impress, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and fulfilling. Trust us, as the aromas waft through your kitchen and the first bite melts in your mouth, you’ll find this treat to be more than just a dessert – it’s an experience to cherish!

So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something magical that your loved ones will adore.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• - 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk, if you prefer)
• - 3 cups all-purpose flour
• - ½ cup dark cocoa powder
• - 1 teaspoon baking powder
• - ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
• - 1 cup salted caramel frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• - Coarse ground sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparation Method

First and foremost, let’s preheat that oven to a warm 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect time to give your trusty 9x13-inch baking pan a loving spray of nonstick cooking spray, ensuring that your bars will slide right out when they’re ready.

Now onto our glorious butter! Take your softened unsalted butter and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add in both granulated and brown sugars. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture together on medium speed until it becomes creamy and fluffy. You want to create that dreamy, rich texture, so take your time with this step – it’s where the magic begins to happen!

Once the butter and sugars are blissfully combined, crack in two large eggs. Follow this with the vanilla extract and your caramel coffee creamer. Beat the mixture again until everything is perfectly blended. Feel free to take a moment here to appreciate the aromas; that caramel coffiness adds a lovely depth to the dough.

Switch gears for a moment and grab another sturdy bowl to make your dry ingredients mixture. In this bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in sight – you want that dry mixture to be smooth and seamless.

Now comes the fun part! Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the wet ingredients bowl. Pour it in slowly while mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed. This is where the dough starts to come together, so you'll want to watch for when it forms a soft dough that’s easy to handle.

Once your dough is ready, it’s showtime! Transfer it into your prepared baking pan. With your hands or a spatula, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Ensure the surface is as flat and even as possible, as this will contribute to an even bake.

Now, it’s time for a little adventure in the oven. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 14 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready for the cool down when the edges are slightly firm, and the center has a bit of a soft, fudgy feel to it. We want to avoid overcooking; trust me, underbaked is a good thing here!

Once out of the oven, let your cookie bars chill in the pan on a wire rack. Don’t rush them; they need about 20 to 30 minutes to settle and firm up before you can transform them into the delicious bars we all love.

Now, let’s bring on the gilding! It’s time to adorn our cooled cookie bars with a generous layer of that glorious salted caramel frosting. You can use a knife or spatula for this part – just be sure to spread it evenly across the surface for that gorgeous finish.

To take things up a notch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse ground sea salt over the frosting. This delightful sprinkle isn’t just for looks; it enhances the sweet flavor, creating that tantalizing sweet-salty dynamic that makes these bars truly irresistible.

After you’ve completed these tantalizing steps, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into 24 generous squares. A sharp knife will do wonders for creating clean edges, ensuring each piece is a perfect bite of bliss.

Tips and Conclusion

For the ultimate indulgence, consider pairing these salted caramel chocolate sugar cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Not only does this add another layer of flavor, but the cold creaminess of the ice cream beautifully contrasts the warm, fudgy bars. Also, if you want a variation for special occasions, try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the dough for an added crunch factor. They can also be dressed up with a sprinkle of edible glitter or a swirl of additional caramel for a more festive presentation.

When it comes to storing your delicious creations, keep them sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you've baked up a mountain of these babies, know that they freeze beautifully! Simply wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap, and then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag to enjoy later.
In summary, making your own Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars promises an unforgettable experience filled with mouthwatering flavors and delightful textures. The process is as enjoyable as indulging in the final product. From whipping up the buttery dough to draping that divine frosting, you’ll find each step an adventure.

We hope these bars become a beloved recipe in your collection! They’ll surely impress friends and family alike, sparking joy and satisfying sweet cravings. Don’t stop here! Explore more of our delightful recipes to keep that baking inspiration flowing. Whether you have a sweet tooth for other decadent desserts or want savory snack ideas, we’ve got you covered! And don’t forget to share your baking experience with others – your friends will thank you for introducing them to this delicious treat! Happy baking!