Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

Get ready to indulge in a sweet and chewy delight with Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars. These delicious bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel with the wholesome goodness of oats. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert, they make a great treat for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Why Make This Recipe

Why choose this recipe? It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The salty caramel pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate chips, while the oats give these bars a hearty feel. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite nuts or chocolate types. Plus, who can resist a dessert that’s both chewy and crunchy?

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of these irresistible treats.

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons water
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Hefty pinch of kosher salt
7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup quick oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup walnuts or pecans (finely chopped)
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Directions

Prepare the Homemade Salted Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves, then let it cook until it turns amber. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, followed by the heated heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and flour. Set aside.
Make the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together, then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Add your dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
Assemble the Bars: Spread 2/3 of the cookie dough in the dish, then top it with nuts. Bake for 8 minutes and then add the chocolate chips and salted caramel. Dollop the remaining dough on top.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bars are golden brown. Let them cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for a bit.
Serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, slice into bars, and enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

These cookie bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They’re great on their own, or you can top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds an extra creamy touch that pairs well with the rich flavors.

How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

To store your cookie bars, place them in an airtight container. They will last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to two weeks.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

Make sure to whisk the caramel well to avoid lumps.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Experiment with different types of nuts or chocolate based on your preference.

Variation

You can customize these cookie bars by swapping out the nuts or using different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or milk chocolate. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries for an added twist.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
What should I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel hardens too much, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it before spreading it over the bars.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Enjoy making and sharing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars!