Description
These easy, forgiving dessert bars feature a chewy chocolate chip cookie base stuffed with gooey caramel candies and topped with more chocolate chips. They are perfect for weeknight cravings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12–16 Rolo candies (or plain caramel squares)
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan to create an even bottom layer.
- Unwrap the Rolo candies and place them in a single layer on top of the dough, spacing them out slightly.
- Drop the remaining half of the dough in small clumps over the caramels to cover them. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting. Dust with sea salt flakes if desired.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should look slightly underdone as it will firm up while cooling. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best texture. If using a 9×9 pan, bars will be thicker and may need extra baking time. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: caramel cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, easy dessert, weeknight baking, Rolo cookies, bar cookies, family friendly dessert