Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and oats. These bars are chewy, sweet, and just slightly salty, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert, a snack, or a special treat for friends, these bars are sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
Making these cookie bars is a fantastic idea because they are easy to prepare and pack so much flavor. The salted caramel adds a unique twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie. Plus, they are great for sharing or enjoying at home. Your family and friends will love the combination of textures and tastes!
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Making these bars is simple and straightforward. You will start by creating a homemade salted caramel, then mix up the chocolate chip cookie dough, and finally layer everything together in a baking dish.
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. Stir gently and heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and turns amber. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, followed by cream, vanilla, and salt. Finally, add the flour and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. In one bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, and salt; set it aside. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar, then mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Combine this mix with the dry ingredients and fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread 2/3 of the cookie dough in the greased baking dish, add a layer of nuts, and bake for 8 minutes. After baking, refrigerate the remaining cookie dough. Once the base has cooled a bit, top it with dark chocolate chips and the salted caramel. Finally, dollop the remaining cookie dough on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bars are lightly golden. Let them cool for 30 minutes, then chill for an hour.
- Serve: Use a knife around the edges and lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Before slicing into squares, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own but also pair nicely with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk.
How to Store Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
- Make sure to watch the caramel closely while cooking to prevent burning.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid messy slices.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolates based on your preference.
Variation
You can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor. You can also leave out the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version.
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly different.How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up slightly before using.
Enjoy making your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars, and savor every bite!
Print
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chewy bars that combine the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and oats, perfect for any occasion.
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Homemade Salted Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water and sugar. Stir gently and heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and turns amber. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, followed by cream, vanilla, and salt. Finally, add the flour and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. In one bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, and salt; set it aside. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar, then mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Combine this mix with the dry ingredients and fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread 2/3 of the cookie dough in the greased baking dish, add a layer of nuts, and bake for 8 minutes. After baking, refrigerate the remaining cookie dough. Once the base has cooled a bit, top it with dark chocolate chips and the salted caramel. Finally, dollop the remaining cookie dough on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bars are lightly golden. Let them cool for 30 minutes, then chill for an hour.
- Serve: Use a knife around the edges and lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Before slicing into squares, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top.
Notes
Watch the caramel closely to prevent burning. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookie bars, salted caramel, chocolate chip, dessert, snacks
