The Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup plus 4 tablespoons butter
The Caramel Layer:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons light corn syrup
The Chocolate Layer:
- 1 bag (12 to 16 ounces) semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- Maldon sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Use a food processor fitted with a metal blade or a mixing bowl with two forks to whisk together the flour, sugar and salt then pulse or cut in the butter until it is crumbly. Press into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan or a quarter sheet pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the crust has set and is golden brown at the edges. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a heatproof surface.
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine the ingredients for the sauce and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. As soon as it reaches a boil, set your timer for 5 minutes and stir constantly, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent scorching. Pour the hot caramel over the sugar cookie base and spread gently and evenly to the edges of the pan. Let stand for 10 minutes before sprinkling gently with the chocolate chips. Let the chocolate stand for 6 minutes, then use an offset spatula or silicone spatula to gently spread the chocolate into an even layer then sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt. Let stand until firm, at least 2 hours or more, depending on room temperature. If you are impatient, you can refrigerate them to firm them up but this may cause the chocolate to have a dusty or chalky appearance. It will not make it taste bad, it just won't look as pretty.
Author: Rebecca Lindamood