These Espresso Caramel Cookie Dough Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. They blend rich caramel with the bold flavor of espresso, creating a sweet masterpiece. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy afternoons, or just because, these bars are easy to make and even easier to love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookie dough bars are incredibly simple to whip up. They use everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of sweet caramel, creamy chocolate, and a hint of coffee creates a taste that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or serving at events.

How to Make This Recipe

Making these bars is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preparing the cookie dough, then layering it with the espresso and caramel. It’s as easy as mixing, pouring, and baking. In just a short time, you’ll have a batch of delicious bars to savor.

What You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for these tasty treats:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the creamed mixture.
Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Drizzle the caramel sauce and brewed espresso over the dough, then top with the remaining cookie dough.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

How to Serve These Bars

These delicious bars are great enjoyed by themselves. However, you can enhance your serving by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For a special touch, drizzle with extra caramel or sprinkle with sea salt. They make a lovely dessert for family dinners, playdates, and potlucks.

How to Store This Recipe

To keep your leftovers fresh, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. For reheating, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the bars tender.
Use fresh espresso for the best flavor.
You can substitute regular chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the dough.

Variations & Swaps

For a chocolate twist, you could use chocolate caramel sauce instead of regular.
If you’re making this for a holiday, try adding festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll taste just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough before layering it in the baking dish. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge before baking when you’re ready.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover bars?
To reheat, simply microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds. You can also enjoy them at room temperature if you like. They’re delicious either way!

Can I substitute the espresso with something else?
Yes! If you prefer not to use espresso, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee or omit it altogether for a sweeter version. Vanilla extract could also add a nice complementary flavor.

What should I do if I underbake the bars?
If you find that your bars are underbaked, simply return them to the oven for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook, and check for that lovely golden-brown color!