Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
If you are looking for a sweet and chewy treat, look no further! Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars combine the rich flavors of caramel with the delightful chewiness of oats and chocolate. These bars are perfect for dessert, snack time, or any special occasion. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars is not only simple, but it also allows you to share a delicious homemade treat with friends and family. The combination of buttery oats, sweet chocolate, and smooth salted caramel creates a flavor that everyone loves. Plus, you can enjoy baking and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for caramel)
Directions:
Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and slowly stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cookie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of oats, 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Layer the Mixture: Press half of the cookie dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the cookie layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel, leaving some caramel visible.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should be slightly golden and firm.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or bars. Enjoy!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Serve these delicious bars warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat. They’re great for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
You can store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
- Make sure to watch the caramel closely while cooking to avoid burning it.
- Allow the caramel to cool a bit before adding it to the cookie bars to prevent it from melting the dough.
- Feel free to mix in nuts or different types of chocolate for added flavor.
Variation
If you want to change things up, try using white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer for extra flavor. You can also use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a slightly different texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if you use salted butter, you can omit the additional salt in the recipe.
2. How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is done when it turns a deep amber color and has a smooth texture. Make sure to stir it frequently to prevent burning.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled.
