Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars feature a buttery, crumbly shortbread base topped with a smooth layer of rich caramel sauce and a scattering of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Small dough balls of shortbread are added on top before baking, creating a textured surface of golden cookie bits alongside the melted chocolate and caramel. Baking at a moderate temperature allows the shortbread to set with golden edges while the caramel remains gooey and the chocolate softens, resulting in a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 14 ounce caramel bits for baking, in bag
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 ounces chocolate chips semi-sweet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish by with parchment paper and spray it with a nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, add the butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until the butter is well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour and beat until all of the flour is added. The shortbread will be crumbly but should hold it’s shape when pinched together.
- Take 3-4 cups of the shortbread dough and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the base is set and the edges are golden. Set aside to cool.
- Pour the caramels and heavy cream into a saucepan and stir together on the stovetop until it’s all melted and gooey. Pour the caramel sauce over the cookie base and spread to the edges with an offset spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top of your caramel layer.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls from the remaining dough. Roll the dough into a ball and press it flat like a disc. Lay them over your chocolate chip layer allowing them to overlap a little.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown. Set out at room temperature to cool completely.
- Cut and serve.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 432kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 179mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 147mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.