Description
Soft, chewy chocolate sugar cookie bars topped with rich salted caramel frosting! These easy bars perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons caramel coffee creamer (or milk)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and caramel coffee creamer (or milk), mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the pan and bake for 14-15 minutes.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy, then mix in caramel sauce and vanilla.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition.
- If frosting is too thick, add heavy cream until smooth.
Assemble the Bars:
- Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for extra flavor.
- Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the bars soft.
- For extra caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American