Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate layered dessert with these Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars! This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate chip cookies, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping, creating a truly decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

* **Layers of Deliciousness:** Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the soft cookie base to the gooey caramel center and the satisfying snap of the chocolate topping.
* **Easy to Make (with a little patience):** While there are multiple layers, each component is relatively simple to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for each layer to set!
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.

**Ingredients You’ll Need**

Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Base:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

**For the Caramel Layer:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
* ¼ cup corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt

**For the Chocolate Topping:**

* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

**Equipment You’ll Need**

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Saucepan

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars.

**Part 1: Making the Chocolate Chip Cookie Base**

1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Press Dough into Pan:** Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure it’s spread out smoothly.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Let the cookie base cool completely in the pan before moving on to the next step. This is crucial for preventing the caramel from seeping into the cookie.

**Part 2: Making the Caramel Layer**

1. **Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:** In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. **Cook and Stir:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel is a deep golden brown color and has thickened slightly. Be careful not to burn the caramel; constant stirring is key.
3. **Pour over Cookie Base:** Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the cooled chocolate chip cookie base. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
4. **Chill:** Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel layer is completely set and firm to the touch. This will make it easier to cut the bars later.

**Part 3: Making the Chocolate Topping**

1. **Melt Chocolate and Butter:** In a heat-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. You can melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and glossy.
2. **Pour over Caramel Layer:** Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly.
3. **Chill Again:** Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is completely set.

**Part 4: Cutting and Serving**

1. **Lift from Pan:** Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bars out of the baking pan.
2. **Cut into Squares:** Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. You can cut them into any size you like, depending on how many servings you want. For neat slices, warm the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
3. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars cold or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Tips for Success**

* **Don’t Overbake the Cookie Base:** Overbaking the cookie base will result in a dry and crumbly texture. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
* **Stir Caramel Constantly:** Stirring the caramel constantly is essential to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling each layer completely is crucial for achieving clean cuts and preventing the layers from melting together.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** Using high-quality chocolate chips will result in a richer and more flavorful chocolate topping.
* **Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate topping will enhance the sweetness and create a delicious salty-sweet contrast.

**Variations and Add-Ins**

* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, to the cookie base or the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
* **Different Chocolate Chips:** Use different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips, to customize the flavor.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate topping for a mocha flavor.
* **Sea Salt Caramel:** Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer while it’s still warm for a salted caramel version.
* **Pretzel Pieces:** Press pretzel pieces into the cookie base before baking for a salty and crunchy twist.

**Storage Instructions**

Store Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

**Nutrition Information (Approximate)**

* Calories: 450-550 per bar (depending on serving size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 35-45g
* Protein: 4-6g

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

* **Can I use a different size baking pan?**
* Using a different size baking pan will affect the thickness of the bars and may require adjustments to the baking time. A 9×13 inch pan is recommended for the best results.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Can I freeze these bars?**
* Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
* **My caramel layer is too soft. What did I do wrong?**
* The caramel layer may be too soft if it was not cooked long enough or if the measurements were not accurate. Make sure to cook the caramel until it is a deep golden brown color and has thickened slightly.
* **My chocolate topping is cracking. How can I prevent this?**
* The chocolate topping may crack if it is chilled too quickly. To prevent this, allow the chocolate topping to cool slightly at room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator.

**Conclusion**

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Millionaire Bars are a truly decadent treat that’s sure to impress. With their layers of deliciousness and relatively simple preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate layered dessert! Enjoy!