Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Bars

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet and salty dessert, these Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars are about to become one of your new favorite things to bake. With buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, semi-sweet chocolate, crunchy salty pretzels, and a sprinkle of kosher salt, every bite is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re baking for a bake sale, holiday gathering, game day, or simply craving a homemade bar cookie, this recipe is a huge hit any time of year. The combination of soft cookie layers, crushed pretzels, and melted chocolate creates the perfect treat that’s easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to share with family and friends.

Why I love these cookie bars

Everyone goes through different stages in their life.  High school, college, single, dink (dual income no kids), diaper years, whatever it may be at this moment, you are going through some sort of stage in your life. I’m in a stage, or phase if you will, right now.  Are you ready for this? I’m calling it my bar stage.  No please don’t send me to rehab.  My kids are fine.  I’m not bar hopping every night.  Unless you’re talking about the bars that have caramel pieces, pretzels and a freakish amount of chocolate chips.  I’m hanging out at those bars airy-deh.  Ask my hips they know.  They are screaming for rehab!!  And unfortunately my waistline needs to see some bar bells. Okay to avoid confusion maybe I should call it my cookie bar stage, because I’ve been through my bar stage and I do not want to go back there!

One of the best things about cookie bars is that they have everything you love about homemade cookies—but with a whole lot less work. Instead of scooping multiple batches of cookie dough onto a baking sheet, you simply spread the dough into an even layer, bake once, and you’re done! It’s the perfect shortcut when you need an easy dessert for a bake sale, holiday gathering, or anytime you’re craving homemade sweet treats. And let’s be honest…who else has accidentally overbaked that last pan of cookies because you got distracted doing something else? With cookie bars, there’s just one pan to watch, making them an easy, stress-free dessert that’s a huge hit every time of year. Pardon me while I head to the bar…the cookie bar that is!

Gather these ingredients

How to make caramel pretzel chocolate chip bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter in mixing bowl with the paddle attachment. Add sugars and beat for 2-3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Taking time to scrape down sides of bowl at least once.

Add 2 large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture in large mixing bowl. Whisk together until mixture is smooth.

Measure out all-purpose flour into a small bowl add baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisk together and gradually add to the butter sugar mixture until combine.

Fold caramel pieces, pretzel pieces, and semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can also use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips or a combo if you like) into the cookie dough.

Lightly grease a 12×15 baking sheet with vegetable shortening or with butter, then spread cookie dough evenly into the pan. I find using the heal of my hand to press dough into every corner works well.

Try to get dough spread as evenly as possible. Place in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Allow the golden brown cookie bars to cool for 20 minutes on a cooling rack before cutting with a sharp knife into 30 2×3″ cookie bars.

These Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars are everything you could want in a homemade dessert—soft cookie dough, gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and plenty of salty pretzels layered together in every bite. They’re easy to make in a large mixing bowl or large bowl, spread into an even layer on your prepared baking sheet, and baked until beautifully golden brown. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert tray, packing them up for a bake sale, or simply looking for a new family favorite, this salty treat is guaranteed to disappear fast. If you give these bars a try, I’d love for you to leave a star rating in the recipe card and comment below. It helps others find the recipe, and don’t forget to save it to Pinterest so you’ll have this perfect treat ready whenever a craving for sweet treats strikes! From my table to yours with love, Sheila

 

 

Disclaimer:  This recipe was shared with me by my friend Tina who is a master cookie maker, diligent walker, and great friend.  She found the original recipe on the blog bystephanielynn.com.  I’ve modified it slightly.