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
(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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
PrintCaramel Cookie Dough Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These no-bake bars feature a soft, edible cookie dough base, a luscious caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or all-purpose flour, heat-treated)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
For the Caramel Layer:
- 3/4 cup soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer – In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in almond flour and chocolate chips. Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch lined pan.
Make the Caramel Layer – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping – Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Chill & Slice – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle sea salt on top before chilling.
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