Dessert

Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars combine rich cocoa with a buttery sugar cookie base and a luscious salted caramel frosting. Perfectly sweet with a hint of salt, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.

The image shows three square chocolate brownies on white parchment paper. Each brownie has two layers: a thick dark brown, moist chocolate base and a smooth, light caramel-colored frosting on top, sprinkled with white coarse sugar crystals. In the background, a white cup with light brown coffee foam is partly visible on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 batch salted caramel frosting
Coarse ground sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick baking spray for even coverage.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and caramel coffee creamer to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.
Step 7: Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, being careful not to overbake; the bars should remain slightly soft.
Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before spreading the salted caramel frosting over the top.
Step 9: Finish by sprinkling coarse ground sea salt evenly over the frosted bars for a delightful contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of caramel coffee creamer.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Use homemade salted caramel frosting for the best taste, or store-bought if short on time.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

How to Serve

The image shows three square chocolate brownies with a light caramel-colored frosting on top, each sprinkled with small white round sugar pieces. The brownies sit on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The frosting layer is smooth and thick, covering the top of each dark brown, textured brownie. In the background, a white cup filled with light brown coffee is partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of caramel coffee creamer?

Yes, regular milk can be used as a substitute, but the caramel flavor will be less pronounced. Adding a teaspoon of caramel syrup can help enhance the taste.

How do I make salted caramel frosting?

Salted caramel frosting is typically made by combining butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. Cooking the caramel sauce beforehand and allowing it to thicken will provide the best flavor and texture.