Caramel Cookie Dough Bars

Caramel Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate indulgent treat, featuring layers of soft, edible cookie dough, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping. These no-bake bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a combination of chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required – Quick and easy to prepare.
• Rich and decadent – A perfect balance of cookie dough, caramel, and chocolate.
• Customizable – Add nuts, sea salt, or different chocolate flavors.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for parties, desserts, or a sweet snack.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• Milk or heavy cream
• Mini chocolate chips

For the Caramel Layer:

• Soft caramel candies or homemade caramel
• Heavy cream

For the Chocolate Topping:

• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• Coconut oil or butter (for a smooth finish)

Directions

1. Prepare the cookie dough layer – Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla and milk. Gradually add heat-treated flour and stir until combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined pan.
2. Make the caramel layer – Melt caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Melt the chocolate topping – Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Chill until set.
4. Slice and serve – Once firm, cut into bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Bars – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.
• Peanut Butter Version – Swirl peanut butter into the cookie dough or caramel layer.
• Dark Chocolate Topping – Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or almonds to the caramel layer.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour or certified gluten-free flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat – If frozen, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I eat the cookie dough raw?

Yes! The flour is heat-treated to make it safe to eat, and there are no eggs in the dough.

How do I heat-treat flour?

Bake flour at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave it in 30-second intervals until it reaches 165°F.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! A homemade caramel sauce made with sugar, butter, and cream works perfectly.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before slicing.

Can I use white chocolate instead?

Absolutely! White chocolate makes a deliciously sweet topping.

What’s the best way to make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk for caramel, and dairy-free chocolate.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes! Just ensure all ingredients, including chocolate and caramel, are nut-free.

Why is my caramel too hard?

It may have been overcooked. Try adding a bit more cream when melting to keep it soft.

How can I make them less sweet?

Use dark chocolate, reduce sugar in the cookie dough, or add a pinch of sea salt.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in the fridge for freshness or freeze them for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Caramel Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect treat for any dessert lover. With layers of chewy cookie dough, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, they’re an irresistible no-bake delight. Whether you’re making them for a party, meal prep, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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