If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dessert, look no further—Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars are the rich, gooey treat you didn’t know you needed. Imagine this: layers of soft, buttery cookie dough, melty pockets of chocolate chips, and a thick ribbon of warm caramel in the center. Each bite is chewy, sweet, and just a little indulgent—in the best way.

These bars are the perfect mash-up between classic chocolate chip cookies and buttery caramel shortbread bars. They’re simple to make but impressive enough to serve at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family nights. Even better, they use everyday ingredients and don’t require any special tools. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip these up—just a mixing bowl and a love for sweet things!

I first made this recipe on a chilly afternoon with my niece, and it’s been a staple ever since. We laughed as the caramel bubbled and took turns sneaking chocolate chips. It’s that kind of recipe—fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Whether you're a beginner baker or someone who just wants a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, these Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars deliver every time. Get ready for something seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Gooey Texture

These bars are the definition of indulgent. The base is soft and buttery, the middle is filled with smooth, sticky caramel, and the top layer is lightly golden with melted chocolate chips peeking through. They’re chewy in the center with just the right amount of crisp around the edges—basically dessert perfection.

Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen:

Butter
Sugar (both white and brown)
Eggs
Vanilla
Flour
Chocolate chips
Caramels and cream

No trips to a specialty store. No fancy tools. Just tried-and-true ingredients that come together to make something magical.

Foolproof for All Bakers

Whether it’s your first time baking or your hundredth, this recipe is super straightforward. You don’t even need a mixer for some versions. Everything comes together in one bowl, and the layering process is easy to follow. As long as you let them cool before slicing (hard, we know!), they’ll turn out beautifully.

Customizable to Your Taste

Want to make them your own? You absolutely can:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Drizzle extra caramel or sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top.
Try a homemade caramel sauce if you're feeling fancy.

Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at everything you’ll need to make these Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars. The best part? Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

For the Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is what gives the bars their rich, buttery base.
1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
1 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness thanks to the molasses content.
2 large eggs – Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
3 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your dough, giving it that soft but sturdy texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds just a little lift so the bars don’t feel too dense.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
1½ cups chocolate chips – Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite!

For the Caramel Layer

1 (14 oz) bag soft caramels – These melt into a dreamy, gooey center.
⅓ cup heavy cream – Makes the caramel smooth and pourable.
½ teaspoon sea salt (optional) – For that sweet-salty contrast that takes things up a notch.

📝 Tip: Using high-quality vanilla and chocolate chips can make a noticeable difference in flavor!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars

Ready to bring all those ingredients to life? This step-by-step guide makes it easy—even if it’s your first time baking bars!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Create the Base Layer:
Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form a soft, buttery cookie base.
Prepare the Caramel:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy.
Stir in sea salt if using.
Add the Caramel Layer:
Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cookie base. Try to spread it out gently with a spatula if needed.
Top with Remaining Dough:
Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, covering it as evenly as you can. It's okay if some caramel peeks through—it’ll just look extra delicious!
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool & Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set.
For cleaner slices, pop the pan in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cutting into squares.

🍴 Pro Tip: These bars slice beautifully when chilled and taste amazing at room temperature or slightly warmed.

What to Serve with This Recipe

These bars are plenty indulgent on their own, but if you're feeling a little extra (or planning for a gathering), here are some perfect pairings:

Drinks:

A cozy mug of hot chocolate
A shot of espresso or your favorite coffee
A tall glass of cold milk—a classic!

Desserts:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a melt-in-your-mouth combo
A dollop of whipped cream to keep it light and fluffy

Occasions:

Perfect for holiday cookie trays
Always a hit at potlucks or bake sales
The ultimate treat for a cozy movie night in

🧡 These bars don’t just taste good—they feel like a warm hug. So whether you’re sharing them or savoring a slice yourself, they bring a little joy to any moment.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars is how easy they are to customize! Whether you’re working around allergies or just want to try something new, these simple swaps and add-ins make the recipe even more versatile.

Nut-Free Option

If you’re baking for school lunches, potlucks, or anyone with a nut allergy, no problem—just skip the nuts! The bars are still packed with flavor and texture thanks to the caramel and chocolate.

Extra Chocolatey

Calling all chocoholics!

Swap the chocolate chips for chunky chocolate bars or dark chocolate chunks for bigger, melty bites.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking for a beautiful and decadent finish.

Gluten-Free Option

Need a gluten-free treat?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.
Make sure to check your caramels and other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Salted Caramel Upgrade

Love that sweet-and-salty combo?

Use salted butter instead of unsalted.
Or, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking. It adds a gourmet twist that really elevates the flavor!

🧁 These small changes go a long way in making the bars your own while keeping that irresistible caramel-chocolate core intact.

Storage Instructions

These bars are great for make-ahead baking and even better for snacking throughout the week! Here's how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keep them in a cool, dry spot (away from direct sunlight) to avoid melting.

Refrigeration Tips

Refrigerate for up to 1 week if you want a firmer texture.
Let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring back the soft, chewy texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze sliced bars in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave each bar for 15–20 seconds to bring back that gooey magic.

Bonus Tip: You can also freeze the dough in layers, then bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make your Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars the best they can be with these quick, practical tips:

Chill before slicing for clean, neat bars—especially helpful with the caramel layer.
Don’t overbake! The center should still look slightly soft when you take them out.
Use high-quality vanilla extract and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
If the caramel looks a little runny after baking, don’t worry—it sets as it cools.
Always line your baking pan with parchment paper. It makes lifting and cutting the bars so much easier.

📌 Little tweaks like these can turn a good bake into a great one!

Related Recipes

If you loved these Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars, try these too:

FAQs

We’ve gathered some of the most common questions from home bakers—so you can bake with confidence!

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! Just reduce the added salt in the dough to keep the balance of flavors right.

How do I prevent the caramel from getting hard?

Use enough cream when melting the caramels, and avoid cooking the caramel layer too long—gentle heat is key.

Can I use homemade caramel instead?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel works beautifully. Just make sure it’s smooth and pourable, not too thick.

Why are my bars falling apart?

They probably need more cooling time. Let them cool completely before slicing, or chill them first for cleaner cuts.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can bake and store the bars, or freeze the dough layers ahead of time and bake when ready.

💬 Still have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars are the perfect blend of buttery dough, rich chocolate chips, and ooey-gooey caramel. They’re easy to make, easy to share (or not!), and endlessly customizable to fit your cravings or dietary needs.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special get-together, or just a quiet afternoon treat, these bars are a surefire way to bring smiles to the table.

If you try these Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars, don’t forget to leave a comment below or tag your baking creations on social media—we’d love to see your sweet success! 🍫💕