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Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars
If you’re a fan of buttery shortbread cookies and gooey caramel desserts, these Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars are about to become a new favorite. Featuring a rich butter cookie crust, a layer of soft caramel filling, and a crumbly cookie topping, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty.
They’re simple enough for everyday baking but impressive enough for holiday cookie trays, bake sales, and family gatherings. Every bite is packed with buttery goodness and luscious caramel flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars
- Rich, buttery shortbread-style cookie layers
- Soft and gooey caramel center
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for holidays and special occasions
- Make-ahead friendly
- Sweet and salty flavor combination
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Dough
- 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Caramel Filling
- 14 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped (about 50 caramels)
- ⅓ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coarse salt, optional
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the sifted flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the Bottom Crust
Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Cover the remaining dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate while the crust bakes.
Bake the bottom crust for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the caramel filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling
Place the unwrapped caramel candies and half-and-half in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
If desired, lightly sprinkle coarse salt over the caramel layer for a classic salted caramel flavor.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.
Crumble pieces of the dough evenly over the caramel layer.
The caramel should still be visible through some of the openings.
Step 6: Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Tips for Perfect Butter Cookie Bars
Chill the Dough
Refrigerating the remaining dough makes it easier to crumble over the caramel layer.
Use Parchment Paper
Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing and slicing the bars much easier.
Let Them Cool Completely
The caramel filling needs time to set. Cutting too soon can result in messy bars.
Use Good Quality Caramels
Fresh, soft caramel candies melt more smoothly and create a creamier filling.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra decadent dessert.
Pecan Caramel Bars
Add chopped toasted pecans over the caramel layer before adding the cookie topping.
Sea Salt Caramel Bars
Use flaky sea salt instead of coarse salt for a gourmet bakery-style finish.
Holiday Cookie Bars
Sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles over the top after baking for a seasonal treat.
Storage Tips
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert and often taste even better the next day.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
You can, but a thicker caramel filling works best to help the bars hold their shape when sliced.
Why did my caramel become hard?
Overheating the caramel can cause it to become firm. Heat just until melted and smooth for the best texture.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
These Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars combine a buttery shortbread-like cookie crust with a rich caramel center and crumbly topping for an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of buttery cookie layers and gooey salted caramel makes them nearly impossible to resist!
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Salted Caramel Butter Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Dough
- 2 cups salted butter, room temp
- 1 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbs vanilla
- 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Caramel Filling
- 14 oz caramel candies (approx. 50), unwrapped
- 1/3 cup half & half, or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- coarse salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°. Spray a 9" x 13" baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Mix on medium speed until creamy. Add 2 Tbs. Vanilla and combine. Add the sifted flour 1 cup at a time, and beat on low until soft dough forms.
- Press 1/2 of the dough evenly into the pan to form the bottom crust. Cover the remaining crust with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Bake crust for 20 minutes, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool while preparing the filling.
- Place the unwrapped caramels and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add the 1/2 tsp vanilla. Stir to combine.
- Pour the caramel filling over the crust. Lightly sprinkle coarse salt over the caramel layer if desired.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel layer.
- Return pan to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- 9x13 INCH: Includes (1) 9x13x2.75 inch glass baking dish with BPA-free plastic lid. This deep baking dish is essential to have in any kitchen as they are versatile in use from prepping to baking and storing.
- GO DEEPER: At up to 50% deeper than the Pyrex basics dishes you know and love, there’s more room to get creative. Deeper size stops spillovers, and more importantly, holds more of the good stuff for your parties and gatherings.
- SNUG FIT LID: Perfectly fitting and BPA-free plastic lid is freezer, microwave, and top-rack dishwasher safe. No need to hold back when warming your food or storing your leftovers for tomorrow.
- GLASS BAKEWARE: High-quality non-pourous glass is pre-heated oven, microwave and freezer safe. Have a peace of mind when storing your food, resisting stains, flavors and odors. Worry less about scrubbing hard to get rid of stains or smells, and enjoy the versatile convenience of this glass bakeware set.
- PYREX IS THE #1 BRAND OF GLASS BAKEWARE*: Loved for generations, experienced cooks and beginners alike have reached for Pyrex brand glassware products, because they’re affordable, durable, and great for all their cooking, serving and storing needs. Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, dollars and units, 12 ME December 2022
- Strong, borosilicate glass construction for freezer to oven use withstands extreme temperature changes without the risk of cracking or shattering
- Glass won’t stain or absorb odors and is easy to clean
- Generous handles on dish provide a safe and secure grip
- Slosh-proof BPA-free lid prevents spills and allows stacking
- Convenient dimension markings ensure you’re baking with the right size
- Package Includes: One (1) Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll measuring 45 feet long by 12 inches wide (45 square feet total)
- Easy and Quick Cleanup: The 12-inch wide baking parchment paper easily lines most sheet pans and cookie sheets for easy clean-up
- Unbleached and Chlorine-Free: This unbleached parchment paper is made with 75% unbleached fibers and 0% chlorine bleaching
- Dependable, Non-Stick, and Versatile: Reynolds parchment paper can be used for cooking, baking, and in the microwave, and is oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Quality Parchment Paper: Reynolds parchment paper is your go-to solution for easy cooking and clean-up
- Parchment 90 Square feet Paper
- This package contains Amazon Basics parchment paper, 24 yards x 15 inches each roll
- Fits most baking pans: 15-inch width fits perfectly into most standard baking pans
- FSC-CERTIFIED BAKING PAPER (FSC N004130): Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources
- Oven Safe to 425 degrees & NON-STICK: Cooking paper withstands 425 high oven temperatures and prevents food from sticking to the pan
- This b 2 pound pack contains 150 individually wrapped Vanilla Caramel Cubes, perfect for candy lovers, party planners, and caramel fans
- These caramel candy cubes offer a rich, creamy vanilla flavor and smooth texture, making them a timeless choice for any caramel lover’s sweet tooth
- Each caramel candy is individually wrapped to preserve freshness and make sharing easy at events, in gift baskets, candy jars, or as a delicious treat on the go
- Ideal for baking, melting into sauces, or enjoying straight from the bag, these creamy caramels add rich flavor to desserts, snacks, and sweet creations
- A timeless favorite for candy bowls, holidays, parties, or office treats, this wrapped candy offers creamy, irresistible caramel delight in every bite
- FALL IN LOVE WITH A CLASSIC: Brach's Classic Chewy Caramels have that essential fall flavor that will make you dream of caramel apples and decadent coffee shop lattes
- PERFECTLY SWEET AND RICH: Chewy, rich and creamy, these decadent caramels are sure to be a family staple for at-home sweet snacks or to give away for Trick-or-Treating
- INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED: To keep each dreamy, soft caramel fresh, every chewy caramel is individually wrapped
- ADD TO YOUR BAKING: Get creative with delicious flavors this autumn season. Perfect for any caramel apple recipe, or grab some pretzels and use to decorate any fall treats
- READY TO SHARE: Perfect for sharing with family and friends at any fall get-together, these caramels are great treats for apple picking, family dinners, and more
