Salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars

Name: Salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce (salted or add salt to taste); Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Isabella

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Salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel and chocolate with the hearty texture of oats. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging in a sweet treat, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of these delicious bars.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Salted Caramel Layer:

1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce (salted or add salt to taste)

For Topping (optional):

Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add Oats and Chocolate Chips:

Fold in the rolled oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Assemble the Bars:

Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Add Salted Caramel Layer:

Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cookie dough layer, spreading it with a spatula if needed to cover evenly.

Top with Remaining Cookie Dough:

Crumble the remaining cookie dough evenly over the caramel layer, covering as much as possible.

Bake the Bars:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly firm. The center may still seem soft but will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.

Once cooled, optionally sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a salted caramel finish.

Cut into bars and serve.

Serving Tips:

Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps them set and ensures clean, neat slices.

Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the cooled bars just before serving. This enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. They also go well with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store them in the refrigerator for slightly longer shelf life, especially in warmer climates or during humid weather.

Freezing: These bars freeze well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Layering: When storing multiple layers of bars, separate them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving refrigerated or frozen bars, allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Related Recipes:

No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

FAQs:

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. Opt for a salted caramel sauce or adjust by adding salt to taste for that perfect sweet-salty balance.

How do I store these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars?

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, these cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before serving.

How can I enhance the flavor of these bars?

For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the bars just before serving. This enhances the caramel flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes for a delicious treat.

Conclusion:

These decadent salted caramel chocolate chip oat cookie bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, going to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of caramel, chocolate, and oats creates a rich, flavorful dessert that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy!

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