Description
Indulge in rich, buttery cookie dough layered with a warm brown sugar filling, decadent salted caramel, and a cinnamon glaze. These bars capture the nostalgic pop tart flavor while adding adult sophistication, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
For Cookie Bar Dough:
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½–3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
For Brown Sugar Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp melted butter
For Salted Caramel Layer:
½–1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Pinch of sea salt
For Cinnamon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhang on sides.
In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until dough forms.
Press half the dough into the prepared pan to form the base.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter for the filling. Spread evenly over the dough layer.
Cover with the remaining dough, pressing gently to form a lid. Use a fork to create a pattern on the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and edges are crisp.
Remove from oven, cool slightly, then spread melted caramel sauce over the warm bars. Sprinkle with sea salt.
In another bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla for the glaze. Spread over caramel layer.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
For even baking, chill dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan.
If caramel sauce is too thick, gently heat in a microwave (30 seconds) or warm oven.
Ensure glaze is not too runny—adjust with additional milk as needed.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American