Name: Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; ⅔ cup water, room temperature; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; ⅔ cup (159 g) heavy cream, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (for caramel); 3 cups (270 g) old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups (400 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for cookie dough); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cookie dough); 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (for cookie dough); 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips

Indulging in a delicious dessert can brighten any day, and what’s better than a treat that combines the lusciousness of chocolate with the gooey goodness of caramel? Enter the Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars, a delightful dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also brings a comforting combination of flavors and textures. With crispy oats, rich chocolate chips, and smooth caramel, these bars promise an experience that is both rewarding and simple to make.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a simple weeknight dessert, or want to treat yourself after a long day, these cookie bars are the perfect solution. They boast a rich blend of ingredients that harmonize beautifully, making them a sure hit with family and friends. The process to create these bars is straightforward, making it an enjoyable task even for novice bakers. Plus, once you make them, you’ll likely keep this recipe on file for all your future baking needs!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Rich and Decadent: The combination of caramel and chocolate makes these bars incredibly rich and satisfying.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—be it a barbeque, picnic, or a cozy night in.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch with minimal fuss.
Textural Contrast: Enjoy the delightful crunch from the oats against the smoothness of the caramel.
Make Ahead: These bars chill beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the world of chocolate caramel oatmeal cookie bars, it’s essential to set the stage for success in your cooking adventure. Start by ensuring your kitchen is organized—clear your countertops and gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large saucepan for cooking the caramel, mixing bowls for the cookie dough, a whisk to mix ingredients, and a sturdy spatula for spreading the mixture in the baking pan.

To ensure the baking process goes smoothly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before mixing the ingredients. Furthermore, prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that the parchment extends up the sides of the dish. This step will make it easy to lift the bars out after baking. A hand mixer is also recommended for creaming butter and sugar together effortlessly. With everything in place, you’re ready to create something delicious!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
⅔ cup water, room temperature
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup (159 g) heavy cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (for caramel)
3 cups (270 g) old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups (400 g) light brown sugar, packed
1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for cookie dough)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cookie dough)
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (for cookie dough)
1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Caramel Sauce

Start your baking adventure by making the caramel sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with the room temperature water over medium heat. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes, just letting the sugar dissolve into the water. As the mixture begins to boil, continue stirring gently until it transforms into a rich amber color—this should take around 20 minutes in total. When the sugar reaches the desired color, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter until it’s fully melted. Then, slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking continuously until the caramel is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Before moving on to the cookie dough, prepare your baking dish by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the parchment to stick up the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the bars don’t stick. This simple step will make the entire process much smoother when it’s time to cut and serve the bars.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to make the dry ingredient mixture. Whisk these together until fully mixed. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and both granulated and brown sugars. Once creamy, add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Then, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients one cup at a time to form the cookie dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

With your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble. Spread approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking pan. This should be about 3 cups of the mixture. Once spread evenly, sprinkle the milk chocolate chips generously over the top, followed by pouring the freshly made caramel sauce over the chocolate chips. Finally, drop dollops of the remaining cookie dough mixture over the caramel layer for a lovely topping. Make sure to leave some spaces for the caramel to show beneath and not cover it completely.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Once your bars are assembled, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 38-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown. Allow the bars to cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for about an hour before you cut them. This chilling step sets the bars beautifully, allowing for clean cuts when serving.

Variations

Protein: Add in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and protein in the bars.
Vegetables: Stir in some shredded coconut for added texture and flavor, or try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet surprise.
Spices: Consider mixing in spices such as cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the flavor profile even further!

Cooking Notes

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture in the cookies.
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
For a less sweet option, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the cookie dough or caramel sauce, but be mindful that it may change the texture and overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a week.
For a fun twist, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving.
These bars can also be frozen! Cut them into squares and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave in 15-second intervals until warmed through, then top with additional caramel if desired.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 330 per bar
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These chocolate caramel oatmeal cookie bars store well in the fridge and can be made a day or two in advance of serving.

What can I substitute for the heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative as a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

It is recommended to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture and chew, but quick oats can work in a pinch if you don’t have old-fashioned ones.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about one week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars are an irresistible dessert with their carefully crafted layers of flavor. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also allow for creativity with different variations. As you make these sumptuous treats, remember to share them with family and friends to spread the joy! From their delightful texture to their sweet, indulgent taste, they are sure to leave everyone craving more. What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking! Don’t forget to let us know about your experience in the comments below!