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Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Irresistible Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe

Delightful Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars that blend rich chocolate and buttery caramel, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • 9×13-inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup Granulated sugar essential for creating that luscious caramel base
  • ¼ cup Water helps dissolve the sugar
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy depth
  • ½ cup Heavy cream for velvety texture
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract enhances the flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt balances sweetness

For the Cookie Bars

  • 3 cups Old-fashioned oats provides heartiness
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour gives structure
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda helps bars rise
  • 1 cup Light brown sugar adds moisture
  • 2 large Eggs bind ingredients together
  • 1 cup Milk chocolate chips adds chocolate flavor

Instructions
 

Make the Caramel Sauce

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water, stirring gently. Cook for about 10 minutes until sugar dissolves. It should begin bubbling and turning a rich amber color, which will take an additional 20 minutes.

Finish the Caramel

  • Remove the caramel from heat and whisk in unsalted butter until melted. Gradually add heavy cream while whisking, then stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt. If needed, return to medium heat for a couple of minutes.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure no clumps remain.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

  • In another bowl, cream together light brown sugar and unsalted butter until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula to combine without overmixing.

Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread two-thirds of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the dish.

Add the Chocolate and Caramel

  • Sprinkle milk chocolate chips over the cookie dough layer, then drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the chips.

Top with Remaining Dough

  • Spoon dollops of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, flattening gently while keeping some caramel visible.

Bake the Bars

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 38-40 minutes until lightly browned. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

Cool and Chill

  • Once baked, allow to cool for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set.

Notes

These bars are deliciously chewy and can be customized with different chocolate types or adding nuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword caramel dessert, Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookie Bars, cookie bars, Dessert Recipe, oatmeal cookie
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