Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, chewy bar that perfectly balances gooey salted caramel, rich dark chocolate, and buttery oats. These cookie bars are the perfect marriage of soft, sweet, salty, and crunchy, with toasted nuts adding just the right amount of savory depth.

Perfect for any occasion, these bars will easily steal the show at a gathering or become your go-to treat for cozy evenings. With homemade salted caramel and a soft oat cookie base, every bite bursts with comforting flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

Full Recipe:

Homemade Salted Caramel

  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90g) water
  • 4 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (100g) heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Hefty pinch of kosher salt
  • 7 tbsp (60g) all-purpose flour

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (95g) quick oats
  • 1 1/4 cups (165g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (210g) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (85g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (130g) dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (95g) walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Salted Caramel:
    • Warm the heavy cream to room temperature or slightly warmer.
    • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water and sugar. Stir gently to mix, ensuring no sugar touches the pot’s sides.
    • Heat over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns amber. Remove from heat.
    • Whisk in butter, then slowly mix in the cream. Add vanilla, salt, and flour while whisking continuously. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk oats, flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • In a large bowl, mix butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in semisweet chocolate chips.
  3. Assemble and Bake:
    • Press 2/3 of the dough into the baking dish. Sprinkle nuts evenly over the dough. Bake for 8 minutes. Refrigerate remaining dough.
    • Remove crust, layer with dark chocolate chips, then pour over the caramel. Dot the top with blobs of reserved dough.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then chill for an hour. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, slice, and serve.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 bars

The Ultimate Dessert: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars

When it comes to desserts, there’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars bring all these elements together in one indulgent treat. From their gooey caramel center to the buttery oat cookie base, these bars are a delightful twist on classic cookie recipes that are sure to leave an impression.

What Makes These Bars Special?

These bars aren’t your typical cookie dessert. They are a unique blend of flavors and textures that elevate them above traditional cookies or brownies. The star of the show is the homemade salted caramel, which adds a richness that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate. The oat cookie dough provides a chewy, buttery base that holds everything together, while toasted nuts offer a satisfying crunch. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors, making it impossible to stop at just one.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique gift, or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, these cookie bars are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Their portable, sliceable format makes them great for sharing at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or bake sales. At the same time, they’re indulgent enough to serve as a decadent dessert after dinner or alongside a cup of coffee during an afternoon break.

Why Homemade Salted Caramel is Worth It

One of the key features that sets this recipe apart is the use of homemade salted caramel. While store-bought caramel may be convenient, it often lacks the depth and complexity of flavor that comes from making it yourself. Homemade caramel achieves a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, with a rich amber color and smooth texture. The added pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness and complements the dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s hard to replicate with pre-made options.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Bars

Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars requires attention to detail, but with a few tips, you can ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

  • Measure Ingredients Accurately: Too much flour can make the oat cookie base dry, while too little caramel can leave the bars lacking gooeyness. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
  • Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: When making caramel, ensure your heavy cream is at least room temperature to avoid seizing. Similarly, softened butter mixes more evenly into the dough for a consistent texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: These bars require cooling before slicing to allow the layers to set. Skipping this step may result in a messy presentation and uneven bars.

A Balance of Flavors and Textures

One of the standout qualities of this recipe is its ability to balance contrasting elements in a single bite. The soft chewiness of the oat cookie is complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts or pecans, while the gooey caramel contrasts beautifully with the firm bite of dark chocolate chips. Adding flaky sea salt on top not only enhances the caramel but also highlights the bitterness of the chocolate and the buttery flavor of the cookie base.

Customizing Your Bars

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the classic version includes dark chocolate chips and nuts, you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your preferences:

  • Swap out dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
  • Replace walnuts or pecans with almonds, hazelnuts, or even shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or espresso powder to the oat cookie dough for a warm, spiced undertone.

These bars also lend themselves to dietary adaptations. For example, you can make them gluten-free by using oat flour or almond flour, or dairy-free by using plant-based butter and cream alternatives.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

Beyond their incredible flavor, these cookie bars are a joy to make. The recipe strikes the perfect balance between being approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced bakers. Each step, from making the caramel to layering the ingredients, is straightforward yet rewarding, leaving you with a dessert that feels like a real accomplishment.

These bars are also an excellent make-ahead option. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them ideal for prepping in advance for parties or enjoying over several days. If you’re looking to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to two months.

The Nostalgic Comfort of Homemade Treats

There’s something uniquely comforting about homemade desserts. Baking these cookie bars fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of toasted oats, caramel, and chocolate. Each bite feels like a nostalgic trip back to childhood, while the sophisticated combination of flavors makes them appealing to all ages. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them as a personal indulgence, these bars deliver a sense of warmth and satisfaction that only homemade treats can provide.

Conclusion: A Dessert Worth Savoring

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the first bite to the last crumb, these bars capture the essence of what makes baking so enjoyable—creativity, comfort, and a delicious reward. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a new recipe, these bars are guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the indulgence of this unforgettable dessert.

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