Name: Espresso Swirled Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225 g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Crucial for a chewy texture.; 200 g (1 cup) Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor.; 100 g (1/2 cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.; 1 Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.; 5 ml (1 tsp) Alcohol‑free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.; 250 g (2 cups) All‑Purpose Flour: Provides structure; avoid overmixing.; 5 g (1 tsp) Baking Soda: Leavening agent for a light texture.; 2 g (1/2 tsp) Kosher Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.; 200 g (1 cup) Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of melted chocolate.; 100 g (1/2 cup) Brown Sugar (for caramel): Base for the rich caramel.; 60 ml (1/4 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the caramel.; 30 g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (for caramel): Contributes to smooth caramel texture.; 2 g (1/2 tsp) Espresso Powder: Intensifies coffee flavor in caramel.; 2 g (1/2 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt (for caramel): Balances caramel sweetness.; 1 g (1/4 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt (for garnish): Enhances flavors.; 2 g (1/2 tsp) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for garnish): Adds visual contrast.

Description

Indulge in these Espresso Swirled Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, featuring layers of chewy cookie dough, rich caramel, and chocolate chips. A perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

225 g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Crucial for a chewy texture.
200 g (1 cup) Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor.
100 g (1/2 cup) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
1 Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
5 ml (1 tsp) Alcohol‑free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
250 g (2 cups) All‑Purpose Flour: Provides structure; avoid overmixing.
5 g (1 tsp) Baking Soda: Leavening agent for a light texture.
2 g (1/2 tsp) Kosher Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
200 g (1 cup) Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of melted chocolate.
100 g (1/2 cup) Brown Sugar (for caramel): Base for the rich caramel.
60 ml (1/4 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the caramel.
30 g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (for caramel): Contributes to smooth caramel texture.
2 g (1/2 tsp) Espresso Powder: Intensifies coffee flavor in caramel.
2 g (1/2 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt (for caramel): Balances caramel sweetness.
1 g (1/4 tsp) Flaky Sea Salt (for garnish): Enhances flavors.
2 g (1/2 tsp) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for garnish): Adds visual contrast.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 22 x 33 cm pan with parchment.
Make Caramel Swirl: Combine brown sugar, butter, and cream; simmer until smooth.
Infuse with Espresso: Whisk in espresso powder and simmer for 2 minutes.
Salt & Cool: Remove from heat, stir in sea salt, and cool slightly.
Cream Butter & Sugars: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Add Egg & Vanilla: Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Layer the Dough: Spread half the dough into the pan.
Swirl in Caramel: Drop caramel spoonfuls and swirl into the dough.
Top with Remaining Dough: Top with remaining dough and smooth.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Drizzle & Sprinkle: Drizzle with caramel, sprinkle with salt and cocoa powder.
Cool & Cut: Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

For a distinct caramel swirl, use warm (not hot) caramel and gently swirl with a knife.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: cookie bars,espresso,salted caramel,chocolate chip,dessert,baking,sweet treat