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Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Soft graham cracker cookie bars frosted with tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with silky salted caramel sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:1 hour
Cook Time:18 minutes
Course: caramel recipes, cookie bars
Servings: 12

Equipment

  • 9x9 pan

Ingredients

For the cookie

  • 5 graham cracker sheets
  • ½ cup salted butter softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 + ¼ cup all-purpose flour spoon into the measuring cup and level off
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

For the frosting and topping

  • 5 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3 tbsp salted butter softened
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½-¾ cup salted caramel sauce homemade or store bought

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease and line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper. Pulse the graham crackers in a blender or food processor until finely crushed. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, sugars and vanilla. Add the egg and beat just until combined.
  • Add the flour, crushed crackers, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Mix just until combined. Use your hands or a greased spatula to press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for about 18 minutes. Edges will be golden brown. Let the bars set in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the cookie bars to a cooling rack to cool completely! 
  •  Make the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, lemon juice and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar. Spread onto the cooled cookie. Pour caramel sauce over the frosting and spread out gently. Cut into 9-12 bars and enjoy!